The National Scholarship Invitational at IMG yesterday had some standout performances. None were better than that of Jr. Lauren Kirby of Somerset Academy Pembroke Pines in the girl's Shot Put. Kirby threw 15.48m (50-09.25). Her throw placed her atop the Girl's All-Time Florida rankings, moving ahead of Seilala Sua of St. Thomas Aquinas's throw of 15.39m (50-06.00) at the Arcadia Invitational in 1996. Her throw is also US #6 this season. Kirby also won the Discuss, where she is ranked FL #1 this season, with a throw of 42.49m (139-05.) She is the current FHSAA 3A State Champion in both the Shot Put 14.11m (46-03.50) and the Discus 47.55m (156-00.00) and the 2023 Nike Indoor National Champion in the Shot with a throw of 14.15m (46-05.00).
Another highlight of the meet was Malachi Yehuda of Langston Hughes HS in Georgia jumping 7-0.25 (2.14m) to win the High Jump. The Rutger's bound Sr. was 2nd in the GHSA 6A State Championships this year losing to Etowah Jr. Luke Stradley with both Yehuda and Stradley clearing 7-0 and Stradley winning on fewer misses. Last season, in only his first year, jumping, Yehuda was 3rd at the Adidas Outdoor Nationals with a jump of 6-8.75 and set a PR of 7-1 at his Regional meet this season. His 7-1 ranks him tied for US #3 this year and #6 on the Georgia All-Time List.
WATCH the interview with Malachi Yehuda after his winning jump
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Second place went Bayside HS sophomore Nickiah Wilkinson 6-8.75 (2.05m). Wilkinson is the Florida 3A State Champion this season and is tied with Plant City Jr. Gavin Tinsley at FL #1 this season with jumps of 6-11.75 (2.13m).
WATCH all the Races at the National Scholarship Invitational