Kansas University’s Francine Simpson won the long-jump title at the Jamaican National Championship on Friday night, while KU’s Michael Stigler failed to advance past the semifinals of the men’s 400-meter hurdles at the USA Championships.
In Kingston, Jamaica, Simpson hit a top mark of 6.35 meters (20 feet, 10 inches) to win the title inside National Stadium. A senior from Chapleton, Simpson placed third in the event at the Jamaican Olympic Trials a year ago.
It was her first Jamaican national championship.
If Simpson can match or top the qualifying standard of 6.75 meters (22-13/4 feet) by July 20, she will have the opportunity to represent Jamaica in the World Championships in Moscow.
Meanwhile, in Des Moines, Iowa, Stigler finished in 51.94 seconds to finish seventh in his heat and 15th overall.
Two Jayhawks will compete at the USA Championships today: Andrea Geubelle in the long jump, and Paris Daniels in the preliminary heats of the 200.