EUGENE, OREGON (KSNT) – Akela Jones is wanting to be a participant in Rio De Janeiro in about two months, but first, she has to defend her NCAA Title.
The 2015 Heptathlon champion is sitting in first place after four events in this year’s heptathlon competition.
Akela Jones started her day behind Kendell Williams from Georgia, after placing 2nd in the 100m hurdles, then tying for first in the High Jump.
A huge throw of 14.75 on her final attempt at the shot put skyrocketed her above the standings. She then finished the day placing first in the 200 meter dash to keep her spot atop the leaderboard.
Jones will have three more events to compete in day 2. The list includes one her best events in the long jump, but it also includes one her worst events in the 800 meter run.
The first event will start at 1:30 on Saturday.
Standings after Day One:
Akela Jones (K-State): 3951
Kendell Williams (Georgia): 3810
Erica Bougard (Mississippi State): 3720
Alex Gouchenour (Arkansas): 3622
Annie Kunz (Texas A&M): 3547