TrackTown, USA: Another day with 70% rain predicted, but it held-out until the meet had ended - and then the sky opened. The temperatures were into the 80s and it was humid. (I did have a great "hair day" though.) The events today were all finals and all female, and it was a wonderful day at the track, with so many interesting stories behind the victories. USC won the national championship with 74 points. The Oregon Ducks finished in 11th place with 19 points.
There were several stars shining today, which gives me great hope for the future of American track & field. Some of my favorites:
Mu Athing: Though Mu (pronounced mow) will run the 800m in the Olympic Trials next week, she was a 400m super-star today for Texas A&M. Athing won the 400m, in an Olympic Trials qualifying time of 49.57, then anchored the 4x400m relay, winning in a collegiate-record breaking 3:22.
While I'm on the subject of Texas A&M, Tyra Gittens won the women's heptathlon with 6,285 points. In her spare time, Ms. Gittens was 2nd in the long jump and 3rd in the high jump!
Georgia freshman, Jasmine Moore has already met the Olympic standard in the triple jump and long jump. She finished 2nd today in the triple jump, behind Ruth Usoro (Texas Tech), and finished 3rd in the long jump. We sat next to her parents this afternoon - which is always a great way to learn about an event.
More doubles: Sophomore Cambrea Sturgis (NC A&T) won the 100m and 200m.
Another name we heard many times today was T.T. Terry. Twanisha Terry was a huge star for USC over the course of the championships. She flew down the straight-away for a huge win in the 4x100m relay. The Ducks dropped the baton! TT was second in the 100m. Another USC athlete, Anna Cockrell won the 110m hurdles and the 400m hurdles! Cockrell is the USC team captain.
The 5000m was a slow one today, but in a championship you only need to win! Elly Henes (NC State) won in 15:28. Interestingly enough, her Mother won the NCAA 5000m in 1991! How cool is that!
Air Force senior Mahala Norris only started running the steeplechase in April. Today she took home the championship trophy, set a personal best in 9:31 - while running the entire race in lane two! What?
These are just a few highlights from the final day of the NCAAs. It was just a wonderful afternoon, and we were again joined by Dave's college room/team mate, Terry... along with his daughter, Casey, and his granddaughter, Lucy. (We both have a granddaughter named Lucy!)
We actually had a real meal this evening. No appetizer plate for us. We stopped by one of our favorite rice bowl places, Cafe Yumm! for a delicious dinner. Due to the pandemic, their food is to-go only, so we brought our bowls back to the bus. I had the Hot n' Jazzy with seasoned tofu. It's the best!
The next few days will be devoted to RV repairs. We will be meeting Brian and having repairs finished at Premier RV Services... and a lube/oil/filter at Cummins. Send money.
The Olympic Trials begin Friday, 18th of June.
Until my next update, I remain, your never-resting correspondent.
I just love Anna Cockrell!! Wow. All the women you mentioned were just amazing. See you soon!
Sure am enjoying your coverage of the track & field events and also your dinner choices! Love reading both! Very interesting!!