Petros Kyprianou Director of Track & Field and Cross Country | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Petros Kyprianou Director of Track & Field and Cross Country | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Director of Illinois track, field, and cross country Petros Kyprianou announced the signing of JaiCieonna Gero-Holt. The South Hill, Washington native is recognized as the top-ranked women's heptathlete and high jump recruit in the United States.
On August 6 last year, Gero-Holt achieved the title of U20 Pan American champion in the heptathlon with a score of 5,463 points. This score would rank second in Illinois' record book. Her personal-best heptathlon score is 5,552 points, which is just 107 points shy of breaking Carmel Corbett's school record set in 1995.
Gero-Holt's personal-best high jump is recorded at 1.89 meters (6-2 1/4), achieved on February 16 this season. This mark ties Bara Sajdokova's indoor school record used to win the Big Ten Indoor high jump gold; notably, Gero-Holt reached this height at only 17 years old.
As a graduate of Emerald Ridge High School, she will bring her combined events talents to Illinois' roster. She joins a strong high jump team that includes National and Big Ten Outdoor champion Rose Yeboah and Big Ten Indoor champion Sajdokova as training partners.
"The Illini family welcomes in the No. 1 heptathlete and No. 1 high jumper in the U.S. She's also a Pan American U20 heptathlon champion and now joins a strong #Illini jumps and combined events crew!" stated Illinois Track & Field and Cross Country on their Twitter account.
"We're excited to have you join the famILLy JaiCieonna! #HTTO I #WhyNotILL" they added on May 31, 2024.
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