Wimbley runs into record books twice

Miami (Florida) senior star produces fastest collegiate indoor 400-meter time on oversized track to lower world lead, makes more ACC history with fourth consecutive 200 title

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Miami (Florida) senior Shakima Wimbley produced the fastest 400-meter time ever run by a collegiate female on an oversized track by clocking 51.20 seconds to win the title Saturday at the ACC Indoor Championships in South Bend, Ind.

Wimbley had already run 51.28 on an oversized track at the Rod McCravy Memorial meet Jan. 21 in Kentucky, before lowering her world-leading time to become the No. 12 performer in collegiate history and earn conference female track MVP honors. 

Wimbley also won her fourth consecutive 200 title in 22.83, No. 7 among collegiate performers this year, and helped Miami secure back-to-back team championships by anchoring the Hurricanes to victory in the 4x400 relay in 3:34.77.

She became the first ACC female athlete to win four titles in a single event, setting a 200 championship meet record. Wimbley’s 400 mark set conference, meet and program records.

Wimbley has also clocked 51.53 on a 200-meter banked track Feb. 11 at the Clemson Tiger Paw Indoor Invitational.

Lea Sprunger of Switzerland, who captured a bronze medal in the 400-meter hurdles at last year’s European Championships, has run 51.46 in the indoor 400 meters on a regular track Feb. 5, making her a leading contender for the European Indoor title March 3-5 in Belgrade, Serbia.