Georgia junior Kendell Williams started the first of seven events in the heptathlon with a collegiate and meet record in the 100-meter hurdles at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Ore., on Friday.
Williams, a native of Marietta, Ga., blistered the competition with a 12.83 to win the 100m hurdles for an early 1,150 points. The closest competitor in the event, 2015 NCAA champion Akela Jones from Kansas State, clocked a 13.10 for 1,109 points.
Despite a light rain shower coming through before the start of the 100m hurdles, Williams clocked a 12.83, which passed her own collegiate record of 12.99 set during her run to the 2014 NCAA title as a true freshman. Her time also established a fresh school record, topping her former school record in the open hurdles of 12.87 to win the 2014 USATF Junior Championships in Eugene.
Williams and the other 23 competitors are competing in the high jump currently and have the shot put and 200m later on Friday. The final three events of the heptathlon will be on Saturday.