Nine former SPC athletes shine at World Track and Field Championships

LEVELLAND — Synonymous with NJCAA dominance and arguably the top junior college track program in the country, the South Plains College track and field brand was once again well represented under the bright lights, as nine former SPC athletes competed at the World Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

Former walk-on Fred Kerley, who most recently won a silver medal in the men's 100 meters at the Tokyo Olympics, was crowned the fastest man in the world in Oregon, winning gold in the 100 meters in a time of 9.86. Former Texan standout Jereem Richards qualified for the finals of the men's 200 meters, notching a sixth place finish for Trinidad and Tobago in a time of 20.08.

Touting the red, white and, blue for the U.S., Vernon Norwood led the United States' mixed 4x400 meter relay team to a bronze medal, posting a final time of 3:10.16. Moitalel Mpoke competed for his home country of Kenya in the men's 400-meter hurdles, clocking a 48.70 in the opening round.

Competing for the country of Jamaica, former Lady Texan Natoya Goule placed fifth in the women's 800 meters, clocking a 1:57.90. Ruth Usoro turned in an 11^th place finish in the women's long jump competing for Nigeria, going 21' 4.75".

Running for Nigeria in the women's 4x100 relay, Rosemary Chukwuma led her team to a fourth place overall finish, clocking a split of 10.47. Running for Canada in the women's 4x400 relay, Natassha McDonald ran the first leg, posting a split of 50.92 as Canada placed fourth overall in a time of 3:25.18. Chisann Gordon advanced to the semi-final round of the women's 800 meters, posting a 1:59.52 her home country of Jamaica in the semifinals.