July 7, 2016
Jennifer Edobi had a day on Thursday that very few athletes ever get to experience.
Edobi, a rising junior, competed at the Olympic Trials in Sapele, Nigeria, earning an 11th place in the 400 with a time of 54.48.
“With this being Jenn’s first international race experience, I thought she handled herself well,” said assistant coach Donnie Young. “We knew — competing at this level — that it was going to be an extremely competitive and talented field.”
Thursday’s race was another important step for Edobi, who represented Nigeria at the World Juniors in 2014.
Edobi holds the No. 2 mark on Vanderbilt’s all-time list in the 400 for both outdoor (53.33) and indoor (54.00). She is also the school record holder in the indoor 500 with a time of 1:13.66, and was a member of the 4×200 outdoor relay team that set the school record last season.
“This was Jenn’s first year of competing in the full indoor and outdoor season,” said Young, “and she had some great races. She’s in a really good spot right now, and we’re excited about next year and the future for her.”
Edobi was one of two Vanderbilt athletes who competed in the Olympic trials this year. Simone Charley competed in the triple jump at the U.S. Olympic Trials on Monday, finishing 13th.
