[su_spacer size=”40″] Orji, a native of Mount Olive, N.J., shattered a pair of school records with NCAA leading marks during her collegiate outdoor opener. She traveled 21 feet, 8 ¾ inches on her fourth and final attempt to edge unattached Julienne McKee (21-8.25) for the win in the long jump.
[su_spacer size=”40″] This mark passed 2008 Olympic silver medalist Hyleas Fountain’s school record mark of 21-8.25 set in 2004. Opening with a long mark of 20-10.75 and traveling 21-2 on her third try in the long jump, Orji finished up with her top effort of 21-8.75. Orji’s effort is the top mark for an American this year and ranks sixth in the world in 2015.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Orji then recorded a triple jump effort of 45-2.25 to best a 20-year-old school record of 45-0 set by Icolyn Kelly to win her second event of the day. She completed her record-breaking day with three triple jumps that measured at least 43-7.
[su_spacer size=”40″] The 2015 SEC indoor triple jump champion soared 45-2.25 on her last try to win the competition by eight feet. Orji now stands No. 3 on the 2015 world list in the triple jump with the top mark by an American this year.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Orji and her senior teammate Quintunya Chapman were top candidates to join Georgia’s Garrett Scantling as U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) National Athletes of the Week. However, Arkansas senior Sandi Morris garnered the national honor after setting the collegiate record in the pole vault with a clearance of 15-1.75.
[su_spacer size=”40″] The Bulldogs return to action at the Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, Ca., (April 16-18) and at the Georgia Tech Invitational in Atlanta (April 17-18).