Sha’Keela Saunders Named National Athlete of the Week
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LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky track and field’s Sha’Keela Saunders became the first woman in world history to jump beyond 22 feet in the long jump this early in the indoor season last Friday and the recognition has begun to roll in.
For her exploits she was named the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s National Athlete of the Week on Tuesday.
Saunders earned the honor for the second December in a row.
Her history-scratching leap occurred at the Hoosier Open in Bloomington, Indiana.
She reached an indoor personal best 22’1”/6.73 meters on her first attempt at the 2016 Hoosier Open and eventually won by two feet.
That mark also moved Saunders into a tie for the 10th best performer in collegiate indoor history with TCU’s Lorraine Ugen.
Saunders will next compete along with the rest of the UK track and field teams at two home meets in January 2017.
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