Alabama track and field athlete Doris Lemngole defended her women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase national title at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Lemngole, a sophomore, finished the race in 8:58.15, becoming the first woman in NCAA history to run under nine minutes in the event. Her time is also the fastest in the world for this year.
Katelyn Adel set a school record during the heptathlon by achieving personal bests in three consecutive events: long jump (6.18 meters), javelin (36.57 meters), and 800 meters (2:16.85). Adel finished eighth overall with a total of 5,834 points, making her Alabama’s first student-athlete to earn first team All-America honors in the heptathlon since 2012.
Miracle Ailes tied for 13th place in the women’s high jump final and earned Second Team All-America recognition.
The University of Alabama women’s team concluded the championship meet ranked 19th overall with a total of 14 points.
Head coach Dan Waters commented on his team’s performance: “I’m extremely proud of the effort and determination our team displayed throughout the four days of competition. Samuel Ogazi capturing his first national title in the 400 meters and Doris Lemngole successfully defending her steeplechase crown in historic fashion were exceptional accomplishments. Across the board, though, our student-athletes rose to the occasion, earning All-America honors in several events, and represented the University of Alabama with great pride and integrity. Their performance is a true reflection of the hard work and commitment they’ve shown all season.”
Breakdown of Alabama results on day four includes Adel’s performances in long jump (6th place), javelin (13th place), and 800 meters (12th place), culminating in her eighth-place finish overall with a new school record. In addition to Lemngole’s victory in steeplechase, Miracle Ailes cleared 1.79 meters to tie for 13th place in high jump.
