Shakima Wimbley Wins Third ACC Performer of the Week
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Shakima Wimbley was named the ACC Women’s Track Performer of the Week for the third time in 2017, the conference office announced Tuesday.
Wimbley earned her third award in four chances during the 2017 indoor season after a stellar showing at the Tiger Paw Invitational over the weekend, winning the women’s 400m at the Tiger Paw Invitational in 51.53 seconds – the fastest time in the country this past weekend.
“It’s always an honor to get athlete of the week,” Wimbley said. “Every time I get it, it motivates me to keep working hard and stay on top. It’s great to be recognized for my hard work and help put my school on the map because we work had here, we’re a great program and we produce great athletes.”
The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native broke a facility record of 52.99 seconds, set by Georgia Tech’s Ashlee Kidd in 2006. Wimbley has been unstoppable all season, winning every race she has ran in 2017. She is the ACC leader in the 200m, 300m and 400m, ranking first in the NCAA in the 400m and 12th in the 200m. Wimbley also runs the anchor leg on Miami’s ACC-best 4x400m relay team.
“I’m really excited for where Shakima is at this point in the season,” Miami director of track and field/cross country Amy Deem said. “We’ve set goals and, to this point, we have met every goal. For her to do that and continue to perform at a high level is great, but I still think the best is yet to come for her. I’m excited for the rest of her indoor season.”
Wimbley previously earned ACC Performer of the Week honors following the Virginia Tech Invitational (Jan. 17) and the Rod McCravy Memorial Invitational (Jan. 24). She also earned National Athlete of the Week accolades from the U.S. Track and Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) following her NCAA-leading 400m sprint at the McCravy meet.
The Hurricanes will return to South Bend, Ind., for the 2017 ACC Indoor Championships on Feb. 23-25. Miami’s women will look to defend their 2016 ACC team championship, while the men hope to build off their best team score since joining the ACC in 2004-05. To view the complete Miami Track and Field schedule for the 2017 season, click here.
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