AUSTIN, Texas (June 9) – Everlyn Kemboi etched her name in the annals of Utah Valley University as she claimed the NCAA Division I National Championship in the 10,000-meter final at the 2023 NCAA Outdoor Championships on Thursday night (June 8) at the University of Texas in Austin. Kemboi’s remarkable performance not only secured the program’s first national championship title but also set a new facility record at Mike A. Myers Stadium, clocking in at 32:39.08.
Emily Venters from Utah clinched the silver medal with a time of 32:47.70, while Mercy Chelangat, the defending champion from Alabama, earned the bronze medal with a time of 32:49.62.
“It’s insane. I don’t even believe I won. I’m just thankful and grateful. I’ve been waiting for this moment. I’ve been patient, trusted my training, and trusted my coaches,” Kemboi expressed on the Utah Valley website.
During the opening 5,000 meters, Kemboi paced herself among a group of runners, which gradually narrowed down to nine athletes, including Chelangat and Hilda Olemomoi from Alabama, and Venters.
With about 2,000 meters remaining, the pack reduced to five runners, and Kemboi surged ahead in the final 800 meters, widening her lead to approximately 40 meters as the bell rang for the final lap. She completed the last mile in 4:51, securing victory with an eight-second lead.
“When she made those moves over the last 1,200 meters, I knew she was going to win it. It’s incredible to witness someone from Utah Valley University bring home a National Championship. It proves that you can succeed anywhere,” commented UVU head coach Scott Houle.
“She executed the plan perfectly, and her progress has been a delight to watch. In every race now, she’s expected to be in the top two, and she has consistently lived up to those expectations.”
Kemboi now holds the title of three-time All-American, earning the distinction for the second time in the outdoor 10,000 meters.
She also achieved All-American status in cross country last fall and is on track to become a four-time All-American, as she is among the favorites in the upcoming 5,000-meter final.
The 5,000-meter final is scheduled to commence at 9:55 p.m. CT on Saturday night and will be broadcast live on ESPN2. – Read more: Where is the 2023 NCAA Outdoor Championships, how to watch live?
In other events, Ackelia Smith from Texas rebounded from an early setback with fouls to secure her spot in the final of the women’s long jump. She ultimately emerged victorious with a final-round jump of 6.88m. Alyssa Jones from Stanford earned the silver medal with a jump of 6.86m, while Jasmine Moore from Florida claimed third place, trailing the winner by a margin of 22 centimeters.
Elsewhere, Stephanie Ratcliffe from Harvard set an Australian national record of 73.63m (241-7) to clinch victory in the Hammer event, while Rhema Otabor from Nebraska won the women’s Javelin with a personal best of 59.49m (195-2). Julia Fixsen from Virginia Tech soared to the gold medal in the Pole Vault, clearing 4.45m (14-7¼).
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