Alabama track and field athletes Doris Lemngole and Samuel Ogazi each won gold medals on the final day of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championships in Lexington, Kentucky. Lemngole secured her second gold medal of the meet with a time of 15:11.62 in the women’s 5,000 meters, marking the second-fastest performance in school history for that event. Her victory is Alabama’s first SEC title in the women’s 5,000 meters since Mercy Chelangat achieved back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022.
Samuel Ogazi, representing Nigeria and set to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics, captured gold in the men’s 400 meters. He is Alabama’s first winner in this event since Kirani James took consecutive titles for the Crimson Tide in 2010 and 2011.
In addition to these individual victories, six other student-athletes contributed points to Alabama’s team totals across three events. Christopher Crawford (men’s discus), Oussama El Bouchayby (men’s 800m), Dennis Kipruto (men’s 5,000m), Victor Kiprop (men’s 5,000m), Brenda Tuwei (women’s 5,000m), and Christopher Young (men’s discus) all placed among top finishers.
The men’s team finished third overall with a total of 85 points. The women’s team tied for ninth place with a score of 52 points.
Head coach Dan Waters commented on his team’s performance: “We did some great things this weekend. Points were scored and medals were won by various members of our program, and that only happens through a collective effort. I’m proud of the fight our team showed from start to finish – it was a true display of grit and determination as we were able to finish ahead of three nationally-ranked, top-10 teams on the men’s side. Our seniors helped set the tone this weekend with their hard work and leadership, and I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve contributed to this program.”
Among notable performances contributing to Alabama’s point totals:
– Trevor Gunzell placed second in men’s discus with a throw of 63.44 meters.
– Christopher Young finished sixth in men’s discus at 59.01 meters.
– Christopher Crawford earned seventh place in men’s discus at 58.07 meters.
– Oussama El Bouchayby finished fourth in men’s 800 meters with a season-best time.
– Dismus Lokira took third place in men’s 5,000 meters.
– Dennis Kipruto was fourth and Victor Kiprop fifth in men’s 5,000 meters.
– Brenda Tuwei secured fifth place for women’s 5,000 meters with a personal best.
The results reflect continued strong performances by both individuals and relay teams at conference-level competition.
