BARBADIAN AKELA JONES is one of the top four collegiate athletes in the United States, but she has much bigger goals to accomplish.
Jones, 20, a junior at Kansas State University, was today announced as Women’s Field Athlete of the Year in the NCAA Division 1 by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.
“Just field athlete of the year, above all other female athletes, and these great athletes all over America. It just proves to say I’m building my legacy to become one of the greatest. Great people get these awards, and I think of myself as one of these great people,” Jones said.
She is already looking ahead.
“I have Barbados Nationals this weekend at home,” Jones said. “Then, in July, I have the Pan-American Games, and then in August, I have the World Championships , then back here at school.
“My expectations remain the same – World Championships, Olympic Games, those are the expectations of the people now. They expect that now for me to go out and represent them. Everything remains the same. Same focus, same goals.”
Jones earned the honour after winning the heptathlon with 6 371 points, the fourth best performance ever in collegiate history. She also set a record first-day points total of 4 023 and placed fourth in the high jump final in Eugene, Oregon.
The Award for Men’s Field Athlete of the Year went to Florida’s Marquis Dendy. Andre De Grasse of Southern California and Kendra Harrison of Kentucky were the Male and Female Track Athlete of the Year, respectively.
Earlier this week, Jones was also named a finalist for the Honda Sports Award. (SAT)
