Thomas elevates to top five all-time among preps

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Rush-Henrietta NY junior Lanae-Tava Thomas set state and junior class national records to win the girls 15-16 long jump Wednesday at the USATF Hershey National Junior Olympics Championships at Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence, Kan.

Thomas had a third-round leap of 21 feet, 11 inches (6.68m) to win the competition by more than two feet and eclipse the 1980 U.S. U18 standard of 21-7.75 (6.60m) held by Carol Lewis. She also had a sixth-round jump of 20-9.75 (6.33m) that would have easily captured the title.

To view Thomas' jump, watch here. She jumps at 7:25 of the video.

Thomas took over the World U18 lead this year and became the No. 4 all-time U18 performer. Representing Maximum Velocity Track and Field Academy, Thomas now ranks fifth in prep history behind Kate Hall, Kathy McMillan, Tara Davis and Marion Jones.

Only Davis has a better jump than Thomas among American U20 athletes this year.  Thomas’ performance is tied for 26th in the world overall this year, ninth among U.S. competitors.