Texas Tech University Athletics
Kipyego Takes Silver at World Championships
August 27, 2011 | Cross Country
Aug. 27, 2011
Former Red Raider and nine-time NCAA Champion, Sally Kipyego, placed second in the 10,000M at the IAAF World Championships held in Daegu, South Korea for Texas Tech's first medal at a World Championship or Olympic event.
"What a tremendous run being able to get second place in the world," head track and field coach Wes Kittley said. "It has been phenomenal to watch her progression over the years and how successful she has been this year. I couldn't be happier. What a great Red Raider and what an example she has been to all of us."
Kipyego, running for her native Kenya, helped her country sweep the top four spots overall. Kipyego placed second in a time of 30:50.4 to Vivian Cheruiyot's first place time of 30:48.98. It was the first major championship race and medal for Kipyego.
"I am just extremely proud of her and her accomplishment," head cross country coach Jon Murray said. "I always knew she could compete on that level and she has proven us right. It has taken hard work and dedication and she is an outstanding person. Her character is just as amazing as her athletic ability and that is what makes us that much proud of her."
While at Texas Tech, Kipyego won nine NCAA Championships and set the NCAA record in the 10,000M. Kipyego is the only female in NCAA history to win three-straight individual NCAA cross country titles and only the second female in NCAA history to win nine individual NCAA Championships.
Former Red Raider Tori Polk competed in the women's long jump at the World Championships as well. Polk's best jump was 18'-7" (5.66M) on her second attempt. The mark put her at 17th in her flight and Polk was unable to advance to the next round.
Players Mentioned
