Wow, what a world class debut for the pride of Lake Wales and UCF.

That was Octavious Freeman blazing down the straightaway on the anchor lap of the USA’s 4x100m relay at the IAAF World Track Championships in Moscow last weekend.

Freeman, a UCF sophomore, who turned professional last month, led the U.S. to a silver medal in the relay with a strong come-from-behind effort. The U.S. actually placed third, but moved up to second when France was disqualified.

Freeman’s anchor helped offset a botched hand-off on the second leg of the race. Earlier on Sunday, she anchored the U.S. team to victory in the qualifying heat, running away from the field.. 

Who would have thought that the UCF star would emerge as another international track and field name to remember from Central Florida.

Her name is now as recognized as the following medal winners at the old Olympic Stadium in Moscow.

Those medalists include hurdler David Oliver, who has lived and trained in Kissimmee with legendary coach Brooks Johnson for the past seven years at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. He won the 110-meter high hurdles. Oviedo’s Jenny Barringer Simpson, who now lives and trains in Colorado, won the silver medal in the 1500. And University of Florida’s Will Claye, who took the bronze medal in the triple jump

Sprinters Justin Gatlin, who grew up in Pensacola and now trains with Dennis Mitchell’s international group at Montverde Academy, also won a pair of silver medals -- in the 100 meters and anchored the 4x100 relay. Curtis Mitchell from Port Orange Atlantic High School, took the bronze medal in the 200 (20.04).

Joining Freeman in the U.S. relay pool or listed on the team roster were Central Floridians Aueryall Scott of UCF,  sprinter Dentarious Locke (FSU) of Tampa Chamberlain and Jeff Demps (Florida) of Winter Garden, who ran in high school for South Lake High School in Groveland.

Florida’s other gold medal contributors were hurdler Briana Rollins (Miami/Clemson) and 400 runners Arman Hall (UF/Fort Lauderdale) and Tony NcQuay (UF/West Palm Beach), who also earned a silver in the 400.