Sopova Breaks 21-Year-Old Triple Jump School Record

Recap

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Illinois men's and women's track and field teams completed the final day of the Commodore Challenge on Saturday, Jan. 13. Junior Darja Sopova knocked down the 21-year-old triple jump school record in her event win, 13.56m (44-6) a mark that currently sits at first in the country. Nicole Whitman previously held the school record with a mark of 13.46m (44-2) set back in 2003.

Junior Halle Hill won the mile run and clocked a new personal-best (4:46.95). Freshman Asia Thomas earned the 60m dash crown on the women's side, she clocked in at 7.32. Sophomore Azariyah Bryant earned silver with a time of 7.40.

Senior Aiden Ouimet qualified for the men's 60m hurdles finals with a new personal-best (8.06), he placed fifth in the finals (8.21). Freshman Michail Rose crossed second in the 60m hurdles finals on personal-best time (8.15). Junior Anthony Maida clocked a personal-best 3000m in his second-place finish (8:21.51).

The women's 4x400m relay team of junior Jessica McDowell, Thomas, Bryant and sophomore Madison Hardamon won with a time of (3:40.25). McDowell placed second in her first 400m of the year a few events earlier (52.57).

Senior Tyler Sudduth threw an 18.58m (60-11 1/2) shot put to take second place. Fellow senior Will Rezny followed Sudduth in third, 17.41m (57-1 1/2).

NOTES

Event Winners and Top-10 Program Marks

Darja Sopova won the triple jump and broke Nicole Whitman's (13.46m (44-2)) 21-year-old school record, 13.56m (44-6). Currently first in the nation.
- Llyric Driscoll placed fifth, 11.77m (38-7 1/2).
Halle Hill won mile run with PB (4:46.95).
Asia Thomas won the 60m (7.32).
- Azariyah Bryant placed second (7.40).
- Sophia Beckmon placed fifth (7.51).
- Elizabeth Ndudi placed sixth (7.55).
Tori Thomas won the pole vault, 4.17m (13-8 1/4).
- Mia Morello placed third, 4.07m (13-4 1/4).
- Kelsey Rothas placed fifth, 3.97m (13-0 1/4).
The women's 4x400m relay team of: Jessica McDowell, Asia Thomas, Azariyah Bryant and Madison Hardamon won (3:40.25).

Full Illini Results

Jessica McDowell placed second in the 400m (52.57).
Tyler Sudduth placed second in the shot put, 18.58m (60-11 1/2).
- Will Rezny placed third, 17.41m (57-1 1/2).
- Javaris Ambrose placed sixth, 15.83m (51-11 1/4).
Michail Rose placed second in the 60mH finals with a PB (8.15).
- Aiden Ouimet placed fifth (8.21) and qualified with a PB (8.06).
Anthony Maida placed second in the 3000m with a new PB (8:21.51).
- Alex Partlow placed eighth (8:32.27).
The men's 4x400m relay team of Jackson Gilbert, Robert Williams, Tadeas Placek and Michail Rose placed third (3:15.83).
Isaac Rice placed seventh in the 60m dash finals (7.00).
Jake Myers placed 15th in the mile (4:15.00).