In an impressive display of athleticism and teamwork, the University of Georgia’s women’s track and field team emerged victorious, clinching their first-ever outdoor national championship in Eugene, Oregon. The Bulldogs leveraged exceptional performances in the hammer throw, high jump, and 400 meters to establish a comfortable lead over their rivals.
Dominating the field, Georgia claimed the title with an outstanding 73 points, leaving USC in second with 47 points, and Texas A&M in third with 43 points. This victory also marked another national triumph for fourth-year Bulldogs head coach, Caryl Smith Gilbert, who previously led USC to national victories in 2018 and 2021.
Olympic gold medalist Aaliyah Butler played a pivotal role, securing first place in the 400 meters with an impressive time of 49.26 seconds, the fifth-fastest ever in collegiate history. Teammate Dejanea Oakley was hot on her heels, securing second with a time of 49.65 seconds, achieving the eighth fastest time.
The Bulldogs bolstered their lead through a spectacular high jump performance by Elena Kulichenko, who successfully defended her title with a leap of 6 feet, 5 inches. Michelle Smith, a freshman showing exceptional promise, finished third in the 400-meter hurdles at 55.20 seconds, effectively securing the overall team championship.
Contributions from across the team were significant. Skylynn Townsend’s effort in the triple jump secured a sixth-place finish with a distance of 44 feet, 4 1/4 inches. Georgia capped off the championships in style by winning the 4×400 meter relay, where Butler surged ahead in the final leg, securing a time of 3:23.62.
Georgia entered the final day of competition already leading with 26 points, thanks in part to Stephanie Ratcliffe’s remarkable hammer throw of 234 feet, 2 inches, which had set the pace on Thursday. Despite early challenges from Washington and USC, whose athletes excelled in events like the 1,500 meters and the 100 meters, Georgia’s depth and determination saw them through.
Further critical points came from the javelin events as freshman Manuela Rotundo secured a second-place finish, while Lianna Davidson took fourth. Senior Keslie Murrell-Ross added to Georgia’s point tally with a sixth-place finish in the shot put.