QA2 Max PODCAST: Kansas State’s Akela Jones On Her Record Attempt And More

NEW ORLEANS — Kansas State senior Akela Jones took a swing at history last weekend.

Jones, competing in the pentathlon for the first time this indoor season, aimed to break the collegiate record in the event set by Georgia’s Kendell Williams.

Through four events at the Deloss Dodds Invitational, Jones stood 77 points ahead of where Williams was during her record. It all came down to the 800, where Jones needed to run 2:22.90 or faster to put herself atop the list.

Jones came up just short, crossing the line in a personal-best time of 2:25.63.

All told, Jones ended up with 4643 points — good enough for second place all-time. Jones also became just the second collegian in history to eclipse the 4600-point barrier.

For her accomplishment, Jones earned herself a National Athlete of the Week honor and a guest spot on this week’s QA2 Max Podcast.

Join us as we speak with Jones about her record attempt and learn about her beginnings in track & field as a child in Barbados.