News Summary
The UCF track and field team delivered impressive performances during the Knights Invite held in Orlando on April 25 and 26. Senior Natalia Madison topped the long jump with a distance of 6.11 meters and secured second in the triple jump. Sophomore Yvone Sandui made her mark by winning the 1,500 meters and achieving a personal best in the 800 meters. The Knights excelled in various events, showcasing their talent and setting the stage for future competitions as they prepare for the Big 12 Championship.
Orlando
UCF track and field athletes showcased their skills at the Knights Invite held in Orlando on April 25 and 26, with several standout performances leading to record-setting placements. Senior Natalia Madison excelled in the long jump, capturing first place with a distance of 6.11 meters. Madison also earned second place in the triple jump the next day, leaping 12.70 meters.
Sophomore Yvone Sandui had an impressive outing as well, winning the 1,500 meters on April 25 with a personal best of 4 minutes, 29.86 seconds, which ranks her seventh in UCF’s top 10 records. Sandui continued her success in the 800 meters on April 26, finishing third with another personal best of 2:06.72, securing a position in the third spot of the top 10 records.
Junior Kendall Hughes supported the team’s performance with a second-place finish in the 1,500 meters, clocking in at 4:34.28. Additionally, senior I’Asia Wilson competed in the 200 meters for the first time this season, finishing second with a time of 23.68 seconds. She also participated in the 100-meter preliminaries, earning third place with a time of 11.58 seconds before qualifying for the finals, where she secured a fourth-place finish at 11.51 seconds.
Notable Performances in the 3,000 Meters
The 3,000 meters event featured strong performances from Knights athletes, with four participants achieving personal bests. Abby Clements placed second with a time of 10:06.19, while Isabella Richardson finished third at 10:08.43. Paige Jaszczak earned fourth place with a time of 10:08.74, and Riley Jaszczak followed closely in fifth with a time of 10:12.14.
Senior Janiah Pulliam also had a remarkable performance in the 400 meters on April 26, clinching second place with a personal best of 53.48 seconds, which ranks her seventh in UCF’s top 10 records.
Strong Showing in the Hurdles
The UCF Knights demonstrated notable strength in the 100-meter hurdles, with all three athletes competing in the event winning their heats. Adaobi Tabugbo secured a strong victory in the finals with a time of 13.06 seconds. Y’Vette Harris finished third in the finals with a time of 13.53 seconds, while Ese Awusa placed sixth with a time of 14.06 seconds.
Senior Hayley Manners made her return to competitive action after an Achilles injury and competed in the long jump, finishing fifth in her heat. Her comeback adds significant depth to the UCF team as they prepare for the upcoming competitions.
Upcoming Events
The UCF track and field team is set to compete again at the Big 12 Championship scheduled for May 15, 16, and 17 in Lawrence, Kansas. As the athletes continue to demonstrate their potential, these performances at the Knights Invite serve as a strong foundation for their forthcoming challenges.
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Additional Resources
- Nicholson Student Media: UCF Track and Field
- Wikipedia: UCF Knights Track and Field
- UMBC Retrievers News: UCF Black and Gold Invitational
- Google Search: UCF Track and Field 2023
- Georgia Southern Eagles: Track and Field Preview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Track and Field
- DePaul Blue Demons: Track and Field Season Open
- Google News: UCF Track and Field
- Clemson Tigers: UCF Black and Gold Invite
- Google Scholar: UCF Track and Field
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ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
