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Not only is she making history as the first active Wildcat athlete to qualify for the world championships, she’s also seeing a dream 13 years in the making come to fruition.

“Being selected for the World Championships has been a dream for me since I started track 13 years ago,� the UA senior said. “Not knowing the specifics on how qualification works, I thought I was out of the running to join Team USA this year, but the odds ended up in my favor.

“Getting to experience this while still being a collegiate athlete is so amazing to me. I’m extremely grateful for this experience, and I’m so excited to be competing against the best in the world and representing USA.�

Gates secured her spot on the U.S. roster Aug. 1 when she placed third in the women’s high jump at the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon. She cleared 1.91 meters (6-3¼) to match her personal best.

One of the two youngest athletes in the field, Gates entered the meet as the No. 1-ranked amateur in the country and is currently ranked 36th in the world by World Athletics, according to a news release.

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ high jump coach Bob Myers described Gates as “extremely dedicated.â€�

“This year she has improved technically and in her fitness,� Myers said. “She has out-jumped many Olympians this year and will be a tough jumper to beat in the next few years heading into the LA Olympics.�

“We are so thrilled for Emma,â€� said ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ track and field head coach Andrew Dubs. “This is an incredible honor for her to represent the USA at the highest level of our sport worldwide.â€�

Gates will compete in the first round on Sept. 18, with the final scheduled for Sept. 21.

Earlier this year, Gates placed fourth at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships with a clearance of 1.88 meters, finishing behind three Olympians.