Former Berkeley High and Lindenwood University sprinter Michael Rodgers has burst onto the national track scene, just in time to create buzz for the Olympic Trials.

Rodgers stunned the field by winning the 60-meter dash in 6.54 seconds at the USA Indoor Track & Field Championships on Feb. 24. His time was the fastest by an American this year and the third-fastest time in the world in 2008. He will compete this weekend in the World Indoor Track and Field championships in Valencia, Spain. He was named USA Track & Field’s Athlete of the Week on Feb. 28.

Rodgers is a two-time NAIA indoor 60 and 200-meter champion. He also won the NAIA outdoor 200 meters and the NAIA outdoor 100 meters.