On the first day of the University of New Mexico Collegiate Classic held at the Albuquerque Convention Center on Friday, track and field athletes Julien Alfred, Tajay Pinnock, and Ackelia Smith delivered world-leading performances in their respective events.
Alfred, the 2023 Bowerman Award winner and silver medalist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, showcased her speed by clocking a remarkable 22.16 seconds to secure victory in the women’s 200m.
She outpaced competitors like Jacious Sears from Tennessee (22.57) and Lanae-Tava Thomas, her training partner (22.72).
Pinnock excels in men’s long jump
Pinnock, a silver medalist at the World Championships in Budapest, impressed with an 8.34m leap in the men’s long jump event. His exceptional performance earned him the top spot, leaving competitors Isaac Grimes (7.74m) and Kelsey Daniel of Texas (7.63m) in his wake. Pinnock fouled his first attempt but delivered the world-leading jump in the second round before opting to pass on his final three jumps.
Smith dominates women’s long jump
Reigning NCAA champion Smith showcased her dominance in the women’s long jump, recording a winning distance of 6.85m. Her consistent performance included jumps of 6.61m, 6.44m, 6.76m, 6.85m, and 6.70m in the first five rounds before choosing not to take her sixth jump.
Alyssa Jones from Stanford secured second place with 6.54m, while Madisen Richards achieved a distance of 6.49m to finish third.
These world-leading marks demonstrated the exceptional talent and form of these athletes on the first day of the New Mexico Collegiate Classic.
