Atherley Finishes Day 1 of USA Trials in Heptathlon
EUGENE, Ore. – Michelle Atherley finished the first day of the women’s heptathlon at the USA Olympic trials running two personal bests and finished with the top score by a collegian.
The 2021 NCCA Outdoor Championships heptathlon runner-up began the day running a personal best in the 100m hurdles with a time of 12.91 seconds. The time was the second-fastest time in a field of 18 to give her 1,138 points and took sole possession of the fifth-fastest time in Miami history. Heading into today’s event, she shared the spot at No. 5 with Gillian Russell at 12.97 heading into the day.
Atherley cleared 1.72m in the high jump to finish 11th and added 879 points. Her third and final throw in the shot put was her best of the day at 12.96m, just shy of her personal best.
The North Port, Fla., native ran her second personal best of the day in the 200m with the second-fastest time of the day at 23.45 seconds to add 1,034 points.
Atherely ended the first day in sixth place with 3,776 points, just 266 points behind first place.
Kayla Johnson also took on international competition at the Jamaica National Championship meet, running the 800m with the third-fastest time of 2:02.63.
