Boston, Massachusetts - On the second day of the 2024 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships, several athletes emerged victorious, marking their names in the history books across various events, including the men's and women's 5000m, pole vault, long jump, Distance Medley Relay (DMR), and the women's pentathlon. Here's a breakdown of the day's highlights:
In the Men's 5000m race, Northern Arizona University's Nico Young showcased his exceptional talent by securing his first NCAA title with a remarkable finish. Young completed the race in 13:25.29, impressively sprinting the last 200 meters in just 27.29 seconds. His victory sets the stage for his next challenge in the 3000 meters final.
The Women's 5000m witnessed a record-breaking performance by Parker Valby of the University of Florida, who shattered her own NCAA record. Valby, the only woman to run the event in under 15 minutes previously, further lowered her record to an astonishing 14:52.78, securing the indoor title.
Oklahoma State Cowboys triumphed in the Men's DMR, with Ryan Schoppe leading the team to victory in a closely contested race, finishing in 9:25.24. On the women's side, the BYU Cougars clinched the DMR title with a time of 10:51.42, the third fastest in the history of the meet, thanks to Riley Chamberlain's stellar 1600-meter split.
The Women's Pole Vault saw a star emerge in the University of Washington's freshman Hana Moll, who cleared 4.60m (15-1), outperforming her competitors by two heights. Moll also attempted a new collegiate record of 4.73m (15-6¼) but was unsuccessful in her three attempts.
Keaton Daniel from the University of Kentucky won the Men's Pole Vault, clearing 5.70m (18-8¼) and earning the Wildcats their first indoor pole vault title.
Sydney Willits of Iowa State University made history in the Women's Long Jump by not only leaping past 22 feet (6.74m) but also becoming the first athlete from Iowa State to win a national championship in the event.
In the Men's Long Jump, Wayne Pinnock from the University of Arkansas matched the Jamaican national record with a leap of 27-6.75 (8.40m), equaling the fifth all-time collegiate position and the second position in the university's history.
Jadin O’Brien of Notre Dame successfully defended her title in the Women's Pentathlon, scoring 4497 points. Jenelle Rogers and Kristine Blazevica followed closely, both surpassing 4400 points and securing second and third places, respectively.
The NCAA D1 Indoor Championships will wrap up on Saturday, March 9. Below is your guide for live streaming and following the event as it happens.