UT grad Jangy Addy to represent Liberia in 2012 Olympics

Jangy Addy won't have to make any last-minute plans for the 2012 Olympics.

And it created a stir in the West African nation roughly the size of Tennessee.

In 2008, the University of Tennessee graduate finished sixth in the decathlon at the U.S. Olympic trials. So instead of preparing for Beijing, Addy registered for graduate school at UT. But, less than a month before the Olympics, Addy accepted Liberia's offer to represent the country that is native to both his parents. He finished 20th.

The offer was extended again Monday when the 26-year-old Addy won the decathlon at the All African Games in Maputo, Mozambique.

Addy won all 10 events to finish with 7,985 points, including personal bests in the long jump and discus.

And in doing so, he became the country's first gold medalist in an international athletic event.

According to Liberia Broadcasting System's website, the government of Liberia sent out a message of congratulations and deputy sports minister Marbue Richards said "that he was delighted with Jangy Addy's landmark achievement which has now motivated the government to place more emphasis on individual sports."

Now Addy can clear his calendar for the opening ceremonies in London on July 28.