“Not a Prelim Warrior”: Jordan Anthony Wins NCAA 100m From Lane 9 and Says “Big News Coming”
By LetsRun.com
Jordan Anthony of the University of Arkansas cemented his status as the fastest man in the NCAA, winning the 100m title in 10.07 seconds. He held off Max Thomas of USC (10.10) and Jelani Watkins of LSU (10.10) to add the outdoor crown to the 60m indoor title he claimed earlier this year.
Anthony grabbed national attention at the NCAA regionals by blazing a wind-aided 9.75 (+2.1), a mark just over the legal limit for record purposes. But tonight he was way out in lane 9, after only making the finals at NCAAs as a time qualifier.
It didn’t matter.
Anthony stormed to the win by 0.03 seconds. There was some confusion at the finish as Watkins, running in lane 6, pounded his chest in celebration, unaware that Anthony—way outside in lane 9—had taken the crown. Watkins was third, as Thomas edged him for second from lane 8.
Asked afterward if the outer lane or a slower prelim worried him, Anthony shrugged it off:
“I’m not a prelim warrior. I’m a championship guy.”
As for the upcoming USATF Championships? “That’s between me and my coach,” he said
Then came the tease: “Big news coming though. Big news coming.” His days as a Razorback sprinter may be coming to an end.
Men’s 100m Final – NCAA Championships
Wind: +0.7 m/s
| Place | Athlete | School | Class | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jordan Anthony | Arkansas | SO | 10.07 |
| 2 | Max Thomas | USC | JR | 10.10 (10.091) |
| 3 | Jelani Watkins | LSU | FR | 10.10 (10.092) |
| 4 | Kanyinsola Ajayi | Auburn | SO | 10.13 |
| 5 | Davonte Howell | Tennessee | SO | 10.17 (10.166) |
| 6 | Jaiden Reid | LSU | SO | 10.17 (10.170) |
| 7 | Israel Okon | Auburn | FR | 10.18 |
| 8 | T’Mars McCallum | Tennessee | JR | 10.24 |
| 9 | Eddie Nketia | USC | SO | 10.30 |
Discussion: Sprint experts explain to me why they only ran 10.07 100m w a tailwind sat NCAAs
