Julien Alfred from Texas and Jasmine Moore from Florida achieved remarkable feats by establishing new collegiate records during the track and field championships.
Julien Alfred blazed her way to the fastest all-conditions mark ever recorded in collegiate history, while Jasmine Moore leaped to victory in the triple jump, setting a new collegiate record in the process.
Julien Alfred delivered an exceptional display of talent as she represented the Texas women’s track and field team at the NCAA outdoor championships in Austin, Texas. The accomplished athlete secured victories in both the 100 meters and the 200 meters, while also making a significant contribution to the Longhorns’ success in the 4×100 meter relay. In the 100 meters event, Alfred blazed through the finish line with a wind-aided time of 10.72 seconds, cementing her position as only the sixth woman in NCAA history to claim back-to-back victories in this prestigious event and the first to do so while representing the University of Texas. Furthermore, in the 200 meters race, she etched her name in the record books by setting the fastest all-conditions mark in collegiate history, crossing the line in an impressive 21.73 seconds. Her outstanding achievements also marked her as the first woman in the last five years to triumph in both the 100 and 200 meters, an accomplishment accomplished by only three athletes in the past quarter-century. Thanks to Alfred’s remarkable performances, the Texas Longhorns secured their fifth team title in program history.
The NCAA outdoor championships served as a stage for Julien Alfred to showcase her exceptional abilities and solidify her status as a rising star in collegiate track and field. Her victories in the 100 meters and 200 meters events, coupled with her instrumental role in the 4×100 meter relay, contributed significantly to the Texas women’s team’s triumph. With a wind-aided time of 10.72 seconds, Alfred not only secured the 100 meters title but also joined an elite group of just six women in NCAA history to claim consecutive victories in this demanding discipline. Additionally, her electrifying performance in the 200 meters set a new collegiate record, as she blazed across the finish line in a remarkable 21.73 seconds. This achievement made her the first woman since 2016 to emerge victorious in both the 100 and 200 meters and placed her in the ranks of only three athletes to achieve this double triumph in the past 25 years. Julien Alfred’s exceptional display of speed and skill contributed significantly to the Texas Longhorns’ capture of their fifth team title in the history of their track and field program.
At the NCAA outdoor championships, the Texas Longhorns showcased their dominance by amassing an impressive 83 points, setting a new program record. This remarkable point total placed them a staggering 32 points ahead of the second-place team, Florida. Meanwhile, Arkansas secured a respectable third-place finish with 46 points. Texas’ exceptional performance not only secured their fifth team title in program history but also demonstrated their superiority over the competition, leaving no doubt about their dominance on the track and field stage.
In an impressive display of teamwork and speed, the Texas Longhorns’ 4×100 meter relay team, consisting of Julien Alfred, Ezinne Abba, Rhasidat Adeleke, and Kevona Davis, successfully defended their title from 2022 at the NCAA outdoor track and field championships. They crossed the finish line in 41.60 seconds, just 0.05 seconds shy of their NCAA record set in the semifinals earlier in the week. This victory not only solidified their status as champions but also marked a historic achievement for Julien Alfred. By winning the relay, Alfred became the fifth woman in NCAA history, and the first since Carlette Guidry of Texas in 1991, to sweep all three events, making it a truly remarkable feat.
Jasmine Moore of Florida soared to new heights in the triple jump, setting a collegiate record with an impressive leap of 48 feet, 6 inches. Her remarkable performance secured her victory in the event, surpassing the Longhorns’ Ackelia Smith, who achieved a personal best of 47 feet, 8 1/2 inches. Meanwhile, Jorinde Van Klinken from Oregon displayed her exceptional skills by clinching her third consecutive discus title. Not only did she secure the victory, but she also set a new meet record with a tremendous throw of 215 feet, highlighting her dominance in the event.
Charity Griffith showcased her remarkable talent in the high jump, achieving a personal best of 6 feet, 4 inches, which led her to secure Ball State University’s first national title since 1999. With a commanding performance, Griffith soared above the competition, as no other participant managed to clear a height as impressive as 6 feet, 2 inches. Her exceptional achievement in the high jump serves as a testament to her dedication, skill, and determination, establishing her as a standout athlete in this demanding discipline.
Maia Ramsden of Harvard University demonstrated incredible tenacity and a remarkable finishing kick in the 1500 meters race. Starting from fifth place, Ramsden made a sensational surge on the final lap, surpassing her competitors and crossing the finish line in a winning time of 4:08.60. This impressive victory not only marked Ramsden as the champion in her event but also distinguished her as just the third Ivy League athlete to claim a title at the outdoor championships. Her display of strength, strategy, and unwavering determination showcased the immense talent within the Ivy League athletic community.
Pippi Lotta Enok, a freshman representing the University of Oklahoma, delivered a breathtaking performance in the heptathlon. Enok’s outstanding skills were on full display as she triumphed in both the high jump, clearing a height of 5 feet, 8 3/4 inches, and the javelin, with a remarkable throw measuring 153 feet. Her exceptional achievements, combined with solid performances across all heptathlon events, allowed her to claim the heptathlon title with a school record of 6,165 points. Enok’s remarkable feat as a freshman highlights her incredible potential and establishes her as a rising star in multi-event competitions.
These extraordinary accomplishments by Charity Griffith, Maia Ramsden, and Pippi Lotta Enok exemplify the exceptional talent and unwavering dedication present in collegiate track and field. Their victories not only mark personal triumphs but also serve as sources of inspiration for future athletes, igniting aspirations and setting new standards of excellence in their respective disciplines.
In a remarkable display of speed and endurance, Michaela Rose from LSU claimed victory in the 800 meters with a remarkable time of 1:59.83. Rose’s achievement is even more extraordinary as she became the sole woman in NCAA outdoor history to run sub-2 minutes on three separate occasions throughout her career. Notably, all three of these exceptional performances occurred during this season, further highlighting her exceptional abilities and dominance in the event.
Savannah Sutherland from Michigan delivered an impressive performance in the 400-meter hurdles, clocking in at 50.45 seconds to claim victory. In a closely contested race, she surpassed her competitor Russell by a mere 0.21 seconds, showcasing her exceptional speed and technique.
Meanwhile, Parker Valby put forth an outstanding effort in the 5000 meters, the penultimate event of the day. Valby achieved a personal best time of 15:30.57, securing first place and making a significant contribution to Florida’s rise in the team standings, propelling them into second place. Valby’s remarkable performance demonstrated her determination, endurance, and willingness to push her limits to achieve success.
Olivia Markezich from Notre Dame left a lasting impression at the NCAA championships by setting a meet record in the 3000-meter steeplechase. With an outstanding performance, Markezich crossed the finish line in a remarkable time of 9:25.03, which not only secured her the victory but also ranks as the third-best time in collegiate history. This achievement marked a significant improvement of over 10 seconds on her personal best, highlighting her remarkable progress and determination in the event.
In another thrilling race, the Arkansas team consisting of Paris People, Joanne Reid, Nickisha Price, and Rosie Effiong emerged victorious in the 4×400 meter relay. Their exceptional teamwork and speed propelled them to a remarkable time of 3:24.05, securing the win and showcasing their talent and ability to perform under pressure.
