Texas Tech University Athletics
Usoro Named National Athlete of the Week by USTFCCCA
January 19, 2021 | Track and Field
Awards begin to roll in for Ruth Usoro after best one-day horizontal jumps performance in NCAA history.
NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association voted Tuesday Ruth Usoro its National Athlete of the Week. The award comes on the heels of Usoro's incredible season-opening performance Saturday.
Usoro broke the Nigerian record with the NCAA's second-longest triple jump ever, landing an absurd mark of 46'-10.25" (14.28m) on her very first jump of the season. Shortly thereafter, the new world leader in the triple hopped into a tie for third in the long jump with a mark of 21'-4.25" (6.51m). The triple mark would top the school record she set last year by over two feet. At 68'-2.5" (20.79m), Usoro's total jumps distance would come out to be greater than any female in NCAA history has recorded in one day.
"I was really surprised when I saw it," Usoro said after the meet. "I wasn't expecting it at this time. It's so early. I am just very thankful to God."
"Our jumps group has rated Ruth the undisputed best teammate on the planet," said associate head coach James Thomas. "It is fitting she is now amongst the very best performers in NCAA and Nigerian history. Moments like these allow all of us to feel unbelievably proud of her."
Texas Tech will be back in action Saturday at the Red Raider Invitational, a one-day home meet set to begin at 11 a.m. on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
?????? ?? ?????????? ???? ?????? ??????????... ??
— Texas Tech Track & Field (@TexasTechTF) January 19, 2021
The best one-day horizontal jumps performance in NCAA history is plenty to pick up honors from the @USTFCCCA. pic.twitter.com/bG9AqrbMUq
Usoro broke the Nigerian record with the NCAA's second-longest triple jump ever, landing an absurd mark of 46'-10.25" (14.28m) on her very first jump of the season. Shortly thereafter, the new world leader in the triple hopped into a tie for third in the long jump with a mark of 21'-4.25" (6.51m). The triple mark would top the school record she set last year by over two feet. At 68'-2.5" (20.79m), Usoro's total jumps distance would come out to be greater than any female in NCAA history has recorded in one day.
"I was really surprised when I saw it," Usoro said after the meet. "I wasn't expecting it at this time. It's so early. I am just very thankful to God."
"Our jumps group has rated Ruth the undisputed best teammate on the planet," said associate head coach James Thomas. "It is fitting she is now amongst the very best performers in NCAA and Nigerian history. Moments like these allow all of us to feel unbelievably proud of her."
ON HER FIRST JUMP??
— Texas Tech Track & Field (@TexasTechTF) January 16, 2021
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» Tied #1 in ??
» Nigerian record
» #2 NCAA history
» Facility record
» School record@UsoroRuth5 is unreal. pic.twitter.com/rGiVTzH0QP
Texas Tech will be back in action Saturday at the Red Raider Invitational, a one-day home meet set to begin at 11 a.m. on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
Players Mentioned
Jumps
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