Track & Field All-Americans Jesi and Tori Whatley Finish top 13 in US Olympic Trials

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Columbia College track and field All-Americans Victoria and Jessica Whatley competed in the 20,000 meter (12.4 miles) Race Walk at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon last Saturday.

 

The duo placed in the top 13 with Victoria Whatley coming in 11th with a time of 1:54:46 while Jessica crossed the line in 1:58:37 to finish 13th.

During their time at Columbia, the duo combined to earn 17 NAIA All-American honors.

"They ran a smart race, starting at their target pace and working their way through the field to finish 11^th and 13^th which was ahead of their seed place going into the Trials," commented assistant distance Coach Ian Whatley. "It got hot and there wasn't much shade on the course. Our weeks of heat training in SC helped immensely." 

  

"I think they had a good time," continued coach Whatley. "They are already talking about a plan for the next four years. Being out here in the cauldron of the U.S. trials can make you want to retire or to try harder." 

 

They'll be back in the fall for their Masters course and plan to help with the track team, as they are both L1 certified USATF track and field coaches. Both sisters are currently within the top 300 of the 20K world rankings, completing the race in under two hours.