In her season-opening race, the talented Nigerian sprinter blazed to a stunning personal best (PB) of 7.14 seconds to win her 60m semifinal heat. This explosive performance not only marked a new lifetime best for Ufodiama—shaving time off her previous mark—but also positions her as one of the early leaders in the NCAA this indoor campaign.
The 7.14s clocking was a clear statement of intent from the ECU standout, who has been a force in the sprints since her freshman year. Ufodiama, who switched her international allegiance to Nigeria in 2025, has a history of record-breaking runs. She previously shattered ECU program records in her debut collegiate season (including a 7.26s 60m at the Clemson Invitational in early 2025) and went on to sweep short sprints in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), earning accolades like AAC Indoor Track Freshman of the Year and Most Valuable Performer.
Her semifinal dominance at the Rod McCravy Invitational highlighted her raw speed and power off the blocks, leaving competitors in her section trailing.
The second-fastest semifinal time came from Sharmelle Holmes of host team Kentucky 🇺🇸, who posted 7.26 seconds to win her own section. Holmes, a standout freshman for the Wildcats, has been turning heads since her collegiate debut and holds impressive marks in the event—making for a thrilling matchup in the anticipated final.
The Rod McCravy Memorial Invitational is one of the premier early-season meets, drawing talent from powerhouse programs like Kentucky, UCF, Indiana, and more. With top sprinters battling in the prelims, semis, and finals, the competition sets the tone for what promises to be a competitive NCAA indoor season.
Ufodiama's performance is especially exciting for Nigerian athletics fans, as she continues to build on her rapid rise. Having made history at ECU and qualified for NCAA Championships in multiple events during her earlier seasons, this PB signals she's ready to challenge for national titles and beyond.
The finals of the women's 60m were set to take place shortly after the semifinals, promising even more fireworks. Early indications suggest Ufodiama is primed for a big year—watch out, NCAA!
Stay tuned for final results and more updates from the Rod McCravy Invitational as the 2026 indoor season heats up.