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Former NJCAA Stars Shine at #WCHOregon22

Jul 27, 2022

Eugene, OR – The NJCAA had representatives in multiple events and medal winners at the 2022 World Athletics Championships (WCH Oregon22). This year's event, held July 15-24 at the historic Hayward Field, brought together the world's best track and field athletes in a celebration of diversity and athletic achievement. More than 200 nations and their fans traveled to Eugene to watch history be made under the incomparable lights and sunshine of recently renovated Hayward Field. Visit HERE for results.

Fred Kerley took home gold for Team USA in the 100-meter final in a USA sweep, assisting the nation in totaling the highest medal count in World Athletics Championships history (33). The former South Plains (TX) star crossed the line at 9.86 after winning silver last year at the Tokyo Olympics. Kerley also competed in the 200-meter event this year in Oregon.

Eleven months after capturing a silver in Tokyo, Kenny Bednarek, Indian Hills (IA) alum, earned another by taking second in the men's 200-meter final at the World Athletics Championships. Bednarek finished in 19.77 seconds, holding off American teammate Erriyon Knighton by 0.03 seconds to earn silver. It was a season best for Bednarek and a milestone after an injury suffered last winter. At 23 years old, Bednarek's professional trophy haul now includes two silver medals and a Diamond League championship in the 200. 

Former Coffeyville (KS) student-athlete and now professional athlete for Canada, Andre De Grasse is no stranger to success in the professional track and field world. Last summer he ran a personal best in the 200-meter final to beat Bednarek in Tokyo. In Eugene at this year's Championships, the sprinter came in clutch for Team Canada as the anchor leg of the nation's 4x100-meter relay final, ultimately holding off USA to win gold. De Grasse competed in the 100-meter semifinals before being eliminated and decided to not compete in the 200-meter event prior to the start of the championships.

For Trinidad and Tobago, former Butler (KS) student-athlete Jerod Elcock finished sixth in heat 2 of the men's 100m and did not qualify for the semi-finals. Also with Butler ties and Garden City (KS) roots, Elijah Hall was the third leg for Team USA who ultimately captured a silver medal in the 4x100-meter relay final behind Canada. Adva Cohen suited up for Israel, competing in the 3,000-meter steeplechase event, finishing 35th overall. Cohen made her Olympic Debut in Tokyo last summer, claiming 14th in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. With a 17th place finish in the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase event and improved time, Benard Keter, former Cloud (KS) student-athlete, competed for Team USA after finishing 11th overall in Tokyo in the event.

2022 World Athletics Championships Competitors
  NAME COLLEGE NATION  EVENTS
  Andre De Grasse Coffeyville (KS) Canada  100m, 4x100m
  Jerod Elcock Butler (KS) Trinidad & Tobago  100m
  Elijah Hall Garden City (KS) Butler (KS) United States  4x100m
  Kenny Bednarek Indian Hills (IA) United States  200m
  Fred Kerley South Plains (TX) United States  100m
  Benard Keter Cloud (KS) United States 3,000m steeplechase
  Adva Cohen Iowa Central  Israel 3,000m steeplechase