Javonie Small Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator (Sprints, Hurdles and Relays) | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Javonie Small Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator (Sprints, Hurdles and Relays) | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Sophia Beckmon, a freshman long jumper, has been recognized as the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) National Athlete of the Week. The announcement was made on Monday by the association's office in New Orleans.
Beckmon achieved this recognition following her Olympic-standard long jump of 6.86 meters (22-6 1/4) at the Fighting Illini Tune-Up on May 4. Her performance broke records for the Big Ten, Illinois, and Demirjian Park. Additionally, she equaled the American U20 record previously set by Alyssa Jones of Stanford at last year's NCAA Championships.
Both Beckmon and Jones are now tied at No. 11 on the all-time collegiate leaderboard for the farthest jumps by freshmen in collegiate history.
This marks a historic moment for Illinois as it is the first time an athlete from their program has been named M-F Athletic National Athlete of the Week during the outdoor season.
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