TCU junior Irene Jepkemboi earned NCAA bronze in the javelin for the second straight year, leading six Horned Frogs to All-America honors.
TCU javelin star Irene Jepkemboi keeps proving she belongs on the NCAA’s biggest stage.
For the second straight season, Jepkemboi walked out of Hayward Field with a bronze medal, finishing third in the women’s javelin at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
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The TCU junior and three-time Big 12 champion delivered a clutch 60.16-meter throw, good for 197 feet, 4 inches, to lock down another national podium finish.
And she had to fight for it.
Jepkemboi moved into the lead early with a 59.91-meter mark on her second attempt and held the top spot deep into the competition.
But the final round turned into a heavyweight exchange, with two competitors passing the 60-meter line.
Jepkemboi answered with her best throw of the night, matching the moment and securing third overall.
That’s big-time stuff from a thrower who has become one of TCU’s most reliable championship performers.
She wasn’t the only Horned Frog leaving Oregon with hardware recognition.
Five more TCU athletes earned All-America honors, giving the program a strong showing against the nation’s elite.
Na’Taja Ballard, Bailey Johnson, London Tucker and Indya Mayberry earned Second Team All-America honors in the women’s 4x100-meter relay after running 43.57, finishing third in their heat and 14th overall.
Mayberry also competed in the 100-meter dash, placing 18th in 11.20 after doubling back from relay duty.
Georgia Scott added another highlight in the 800 meters, breaking her own pace barrier with a school-record 2:00.90.
The junior finished 13th nationally and fourth in her heat, closing a strong outdoor season with one of the best races of her career.
TCU still has one more shot to make noise. Jayden Douglas is set to run in the 400-meter hurdles final Friday night.
But Thursday belonged to Jepkemboi ... again.
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