Jamaican athletes Shaquena Foote of San Diego State University and Neisha Burgher of the University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP) delivered standout performances at their respective NCAA Division 1 Conference Indoor Championships, securing double victories and setting new records.
Shaquena Foote Dominates at Mountain West Championships
Foote, a former Petersfield High standout, claimed the women’s 200m and 400m titles at the Mountain West Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She not only defended her 400m crown but also shattered her personal best, school record, and championship record with a blazing time of 51.48 seconds. Less than an hour later, she clocked 22.89 seconds in the 200m, securing her second gold and moving into second place on San Diego State’s all-time rankings.
Foote’s exceptional performance earned her the title of Most Outstanding Track Athlete of the Meet. Reflecting on her achievement, she shared, “I’m overwhelmed with gratitude after winning the double. My hard work is finally paying off, and this performance is a huge confidence booster as I look ahead to indoor nationals.”
Neisha Burgher Lights Up Conference USA Championships
Meanwhile, Neisha Burgher, a former Excelsior High star, stole the spotlight at the Conference USA Indoor Championships in Virginia. She clinched the women’s 60m and 200m titles, setting a meet record of 22.73 seconds in the 200m. This remarkable feat broke the previous record of 22.91 seconds set in 2013 and the facility record of 22.96 seconds. Burgher also triumphed in the 60m with a time of 7.31 seconds.
Other Jamaican Standouts
- Dejanae Oakley of the University of Georgia ran a stunning personal best of 50.90 seconds in the women’s 400m at the SEC Championships, marking the third-fastest time ever by a Jamaican woman.
- Brianna Lyston of LSU narrowly missed defending her SEC 60m title, finishing second with a season’s best of 7.13 seconds.
- Luke Brown of the University of Kentucky set a personal best and school record in the men’s triple jump with 16.87m, while Apalos Edwards of Arkansas achieved a season’s best of 16.61m.
- Jaheim Stern of LSU set a new personal best of 7.57 seconds in the men’s 60m hurdles, finishing third.
- Olympian Ralford Mullings of the University of Oklahoma secured third place in the men’s shot put with a throw of 19.71m.
Looking Ahead
With these stellar performances, Foote, Burgher, and their fellow Jamaican athletes have set the stage for an exciting indoor nationals. Their achievements not only highlight their individual talents but also underscore Jamaica’s continued dominance in track and field on the global stage.
Stay tuned as these rising stars aim to lower their times and reach new heights in the upcoming competitions!
