21 April 2011

UKA today announced that American 400m athlete Shana Cox (coach: Chris Johnson) will be eligible to compete for the Aviva GB&NI team from 29 November 2011. 

Cox, whose parents are both originally from London, has had her representational switch approved by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) although must now wait until November in accordance with IAAF approval timelines before she can compete for her new country.

The New York born athlete, who has previously stretched her legs at the Aviva London Grand Prix in 2009 and the Aviva British Grand Prix in 2009 and 2010, is likely to compete at the Aviva Series again this summer- http://www.uka.org.uk/aviva-series/home/ alongside her future teammates.

A graduate of Penn State University, she studied for a degree in Psychology and has a personal best of 50.84 for 400m.

She said: "I am really excited about the upcoming season and look forward to my future in athletics. This is something I have always wanted to do, and I’m looking forward to being part of an amazing team.

“I’ve always enjoyed competing in the UK at the Aviva Series but this year will be extra special knowing I will be running for GB&NI at the end of the season.”

UKA Head Coach Charles van Commenee said: “Cox will be a further addition to the Aviva GB&NI team and of course we will be happy to have her on board. She has some promising credentials over 400m and will, in addition, give our 4x400m team a boost.”

Useful Facts

Age: 26 (Jan. 22, 1985)

Hometown: Westbury, New York

Residence: Pennsylvania

Affiliation: adidas

Coach: Chris Johnson

Personal Bests:

400m 50.84 (2008)

2008 NCAA Champion 400m

2008 NCAA Champion, 4x400m Relay

Runner-up, 2007 NCAA Championship, 400m

3rd, 2006 NCAA Championship, 400m

Two-time Penn State Female Student Athlete of the Year (2006-2007, 2007-2008)