South Carolina Track & Field Breaks Records This Weekend

Athletes competing in outdoor track and field events

News Summary

The South Carolina Track & Field team had an incredible weekend competing across three meets in different states, highlighting jaw-dropping performances and record-breaking times. Athletes achieved personal bests and school records, showcasing their talent and determination. Standout performances included a new school record in the 1500-meter event and impressive finishes in various disciplines, making it a memorable weekend in college athletics.

Record-Breaking Weekend for South Carolina Track & Field

This past weekend was nothing short of spectacular for the South Carolina Track & Field team as they competed in three various meets across the United States. The athletes split up, heading to the Wake Forest Invitational in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the Michael Johnson Invite in Waco, Texas, and the Tom Jones Memorial in Gainesville, Florida. Each site saw stunning performances and remarkable records shatter, making for an exciting weekend in college athletics.

Blazing Fast Times at Wake Forest

At the Wake Forest Invitational, Salma Elbadra was the talk of the track, setting a thrilling new school record in the 1500-meter with a jaw-dropping time of 4:05.85. This remarkable performance not only marks a new program best but also stands as the fifth fastest time in NCAA history and the second fastest in the NCAA East Region this season. An incredible feat!

In a noteworthy debut, Teresa Cherotich tackled the 3000-meter steeplechase for the first time, securing a sixth-place finish with a strong time of 10:02.13. This impressive performance puts her fifth in the East Region rankings this year!

Meanwhile, Anya Arroyo improved her personal best in the 5K, crossing the finish line with an impressive 16:22.97, making it the fifth fastest in the program’s history. Another standout was Jaouad Khchina, who ran the second fastest 1500m time in Gamecock history with a stunning time of 3:40.98, ranking 14th in the region.

Joshua Kosgei and Elijah Poore also brought their A-games, with Kosgei finishing with a time of 3:45.51, marking the sixth best in Gamecock history, while Poore earned a personal best of 9:12.10 in the 3000m steeplechase, ranking seventh all-time for South Carolina.

Striking Gold in Waco

Meanwhile, at the Michael Johnson Invite in Waco, JaMeesia Ford stole the spotlight by winning the women’s 200-meter event with an electrifying time of 22.40. This performance currently sits as the best time in the East Region. Following her were Cynteria James, who set her own personal best of 22.84, ranking seventh in the East, while her teammates Jayla Jamison and Zaya Akins finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

In the long jump, Cameran Gist achieved a season-best of 6.11m and now finds herself ranked ninth in the program’s history! Josue Richardson Salazar dazzled in the 400-meter hurdles with a new personal best of 51.47.

Channing Ferguson also made headlines with a long jump of 7.74m, ranking sixth in the East Region.

Throwing for Glory in Gainesville

At the Tom Jones Memorial in Gainesville, highlights included CJ Licata, who placed second in the shot put with an enormous throw of 20.23m, and Dylan Targgart, who finished sixth with a respectable 19.22m.

Ellis Neighbors proudly represented the javelin throwers, achieving a ninth-place finish with a throw of 59.81m.

Looking Ahead

The excitement doesn’t stop here! South Carolina Track & Field will conclude the final day of the Michael Johnson Invite with more thrilling events, including the women’s triple jump and the much-anticipated 4x400m relays on April 19, 2025. We can’t wait to see what records and personal bests will come next!