Little Made Big 400H History
Shamier Little left no doubt as to her place in history in 2016.
It was five years ago at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, where Little became just the second woman in meet history to win three consecutive 400-meter hurdle crowns, joining former UCLA star Janeene Vickers in that regard.
While Little’s victory was a coronation – after all, she did win the previous two – she wanted more than the trifecta of crowns: Little fixed her eyes on the three-year-old collegiate record and meet record of 53.21, set by Kori Carter of Stanford back in 2013.
A customary strong start put Little in prime position and her strength over the seventh and eighth hurdles turned the race into a rout. When Little cleared the tenth and final hurdle, all eyes were on the clock as the Texas A&M star powered through the final few meters.
Little broke the tape in 53.51 to become the second-fastest performer in collegiate history behind Carter’s standard.
“I’m really excited to win my third title,” Little said. “That time just builds up my confidence even more.”
The NCAA and collegiate track & field will mark a momentous milestone in the spring of 2021 -- the 100th anniversary of the NCAA Championships and with that, the NCAA Track & Field Championships. In June 1921, the University of Chicago hosted the first track & field championships in NCAA history.
This point can’t be emphasized enough: Not only was the event the first for NCAA track & field, but the first championships for any sport under the sponsorship of the NCAA.
To celebrate, over each of the next 365 days, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) will celebrate moments, student-athletes, and coaches that have made a century’s worth of championships special. From humble beginnings to important historical milestones to the modern-day, collegiate track & field has evolved with the American society.
The 2021 edition of the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships begin with preliminary round action on May 27-29 in Jacksonville, Fla., and College Station, Texas. The championships final site and culmination of the celebration is slated for June 9-12, 2021 at the newly rebuilt Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.
Boden Dominated Javelin, Set World Record
Patrik Boden of Texas won three consecutive javelin titles at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships between 1989 and 1991.
Oregon’s Theisen Made Heptathlon History
Brianne Theisen is one of two women to have ever eclipsed the 6400-point barrier in the heptathlon at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
The Tie Goes To The Buckeye
Dave Albritton of Ohio State won three consecutive high jump titles at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships & remains one of just two men to do so.
Jack Davis Was Ahead Of His Time
Jack Davis won three consecutive high hurdles titles at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships between 1951 and 1953!
Hurdle History Fit For A Queen In 2010
Queen Harrison completed the only 100H-400H double in the history of the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships in 2010.
Villanova’s Maree Ran Into 1500-5K History
Sydney Maree was the only man in the history of the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships with meet records in both the 1500 and 5000.
No One Vaulted Like Nilsen At NCAAs
Chris Nilsen of South Dakota set meet records for height and win margin in the pole vault at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
Arizona’s Skieresz Nearly Lapped The Field
Amy Skieresz of Arizona completed the 5K-10K double twice at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships and won both 10Ks by more than one minute.
Walder’s Leaps Stand Test Of Time
Erick Walder of Arkansas won 10 career NCAA titles and posted the top-3 marks in outdoor meet history in the long jump.
Butler’s Phillips First Three-Time NCAA Winner
Hermon Phillips of Butler won three consecutive 440-yard titles between 1925 and 1927, making him the first athlete to do so in meet history!