February 7-11, 2022

Olivia Howell | Jr., Women's Track & Field | Major: Studio Art

Junior Olivia Howell broke her own school record in the mile to lead the Fighting Illini Track & Field program to a strong showing at the Meyo Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Loftus Sports Center in South Bend, Ind. A week after establishing the school record in the mile at the PNC Lenny Lyles Invitational, Howell broke her own record with a personal-best time of 4:37.11 to win the event. Howell's time sits as the second-best time in the Big Ten and 16th-best time in the nation through the first four weeks of the indoor season.  

Illini Track & Field head coach Mike Turk commented on Howell's performance stating, "Olivia was spectacular today and it was one of the better races she's run from a focus and tactics standpoint. She ran strong from start to finish and her confidence continues to grow."

Howell, from Solon, Ohio, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in studio art from the College of Fine & Applied Arts.

º2021-22 Scholar Athlete of the Week Winners