Gamecock Women Qualify Nine Athletes for NCAA Outdoor Championship

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 25, 2024) – Gamecock Women Dominate NCAA East Regional, Punch Nine Tickets to Nationals

South Carolina Women’s Track & Field showcased their talent on Saturday, closing out the 2024 NCAA East Regional in impressive fashion. The Gamecocks secured a total of nine tickets, seven individual and two relays, to the upcoming NCAA Outdoor Championship in Eugene, Ore. in less than two weeks.

Record-breaking Relays

The 4x100m relay and the 4x400m relay left no doubt for Carolina, breezing to the National Championship in both events. The quartet of Jayla Jamison, Cynteria James, Zaya Akins, and JaMeesia Ford set a program record in the 4x100m relay with a time of 42.46, breaking a record that stood since 2003. The 4x400m relay team of Akins, Jamison, Sylvia Chelangat, and Ford clocked 3:26.73, securing another relay ticket for the Gamecocks.

Individual Standouts

Alongside the relay success, seven individuals secured their spots in Oregon. Judy Kosgei clinched an automatic spot after finishing fifth overall in the 1500m with a time of 4:08.69. Teresa Cherotich broke her own South Carolina steeplechase record, becoming the first in program history to run sub-10 minutes with a time of 9:59.61.

Zaya Akins ran a personal best of 51.33 in the 400m, Sylvia Chelangat finished third in her heat of the 800m with a time of 2:01.80, while JaMeesia Ford, Jayla Jamison, and Cynteria James all secured their tickets in the 200m sprint.

Looking Ahead

The Gamecocks will now focus on the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Championship in Eugene, Ore. from June 5 to June 8. With a total of 13 events qualified between both teams, the women lead the way with seven individual qualifications.

Women’s Individual Results:

• Cynteria James – 100 Meters: 11.39
• JaMeesia Ford – 200 Meters: 22.28Q
• Jayla Jamison – 200 Meters: 22.66Q
• Cynteria James – 200 Meters: 23.06q
• Zaya Akins – 400 Meters: 51.33Q
• Sylvia Chelangat – 800 Meters: 2:01.80Q
• Judy Kosgei – 1500 Meters: 4:08.69Q

The Gamecocks continue to make their mark in the track and field world, with high hopes for success at the upcoming National Championship.