The Florida Gators kicked off the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational in impressive fashion, racking up twelve top-ten finishes, three new entries in the school’s all-time top ten lists, and seven personal bests.
Stellar Starts and Gator Greats Return
Claire Bryant, fresh off a standout indoor season, translated her success outdoors. In the Women’s Long Jump Invite, her wind-aided leap of 6.65m (21’10”) placed her first among collegiate competitors and second overall.
Robert Gregory and Wanya McCoy, making their 2024 outdoor debuts in the Men’s 200m Invite, showcased strong starts. Gregory displayed phenomenal closing speed, clocking a time of 20.29 for first in his heat and fourth overall. McCoy followed closely behind with a steady 20.40, securing second in his heat and seventh overall.
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Malcolm Clemons secured a fourth-place finish (second among collegians) in the Men’s Long Jump Invite. His mark of 7.72m (25’4″) sets a solid foundation for his 2024 outdoor campaign.
Alida van Daalen, competing in the Women’s Shot Put Invite, landed a season-best throw of 17.52m (57’5.75″) for a third-place finish. Her consistency was evident with four throws exceeding 17.50m.
Rewriting the Record Books
Anthaya Charlton etched her name in the record books with a jump of 6.60m (21’8″), surpassing Yolanda Thompson (2001) for the No. 7 spot on UF’s all-time top ten list. This mark also positions her second nationally in 2024.
Graduate student Abraham Sargent, a newcomer for the 2024 season, reset his personal record in the Javelin Throw. His second meet with the Gators saw him launch a 73.36m (240’8″) throw, maintaining his No. 5 position on UF’s all-time top ten list.
Freshman Gracelyn Leiseth continues her hot streak. Her personal record performance on Friday marks her third consecutive meet with a personal best in the shot put. Competing alongside van Daalen, Leiseth secured a fifth-place finish with a throw of 17.16m (56’3.75″), propelling her two spots higher to No. 8 on UF’s all-time top ten list.
Personal Bests Abound
Imani Washington hurled a personal record distance of 57.43m (188’5″) in the Hammer Throw, securing a third-place finish.
Malique Smith-Band trimmed his 200m time from the Pepsi Florida Relays, crossing the finish line in 20.85 for a 24th-place finish.
Eoin McNally shattered his personal record set at the Pepsi Florida Relays, clocking a new best time of 3:47.88 in the Men’s 1500m.
Rylee Pustilnik and Breanna Stuart both notched personal records in the Women’s 1500m, recording times of 4:35.90 and 4:38.41, respectively.
PHOTO: Florida Athletics.
