Texas Tech University Athletics
Usoro, Hedeilli Honored as Big 12 Athletes of the Week
January 20, 2021 | Track and Field
Two Red Raiders pick up weekly honors from Big 12 after huge opening week.
IRVING, Texas – The Big 12 Conference announced Wednesday the naming of two Red Raiders among the recipients of its Athlete of the Week awards after each took world leads in their respective events in the season-opening Corky Classic.
Saturday, Ruth 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.
Not long after Usoro's ridiculous opening mark, Takieddine Hedeilli went for one of his own on the track. Hedeilli, who up until Friday was waiting on the NCAA's decision of whether or not to grant him one more season of indoor eligibility, broke loose for a blistering 1:45.98 in the 800m. The mark claimed the world #1 spot for him as well in addition to downing the school record, previously held by former Red Raider and current sprints assistant coach Zach Glavash.
The Red Raiders will resume the 2021 indoor campaign Saturday with the Red Raider Invitational. Oklahoma and Miami (FL) will highlight the visiting teams. The meet will stream live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
Undeniably great.
— Texas Tech Track & Field (@TexasTechTF) January 20, 2021
Plenty deserving. pic.twitter.com/zmVKkWcjhk
Saturday, Ruth 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.
Not long after Usoro's ridiculous opening mark, Takieddine Hedeilli went for one of his own on the track. Hedeilli, who up until Friday was waiting on the NCAA's decision of whether or not to grant him one more season of indoor eligibility, broke loose for a blistering 1:45.98 in the 800m. The mark claimed the world #1 spot for him as well in addition to downing the school record, previously held by former Red Raider and current sprints assistant coach Zach Glavash.
The Red Raiders will resume the 2021 indoor campaign Saturday with the Red Raider Invitational. Oklahoma and Miami (FL) will highlight the visiting teams. The meet will stream live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
Players Mentioned
Distance
/ Track and Field
Jumps
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