UF TF: Dendy, Diggs and McGee Qualify for World Championships; Four More Gator Advance in Qualifying

Dendy won the Long Jump U.S. Championship, while Diggs (400m) and McGee (1500m) grabbed bronze.

EUGENE, Ore. – Florida’s track & field program continued their string of phenomenal performances this weekend at the USATF Outdoor Championships, as three Gators qualified for the World Athletic Championships in their respective events on Saturday night.

First to the podium was Talitha Diggs after one of the most exciting finals thus far at Hayward Field, as Diggs claimed a hard-fought bronze medal in the women’s 400m. Florida’s 400m record holder lowered her personal best to 49.93 in the event and punched her ticket to the World Championships for the second straight year.

Gator Great Cory McGee also grabbed a bronze medal in the women’s 1500m, as the event’s last year’s runner-up advanced to her third-career World Championships by crossing the line in 4:03.48.

Marquis Dendy is on his way to the World Championships once again after making his first appearance at the event since 2017 last year. In 2023, Dendy heads to Budapest as the U.S. Champion in the men’s Long Jump after leaping 8.14m/26’8.5”.

Ryan Willie ran 44.87 in the finals of the men’s 400m, but just missed out on qualifying to the World Championships. The 2023 SEC Outdoor Men’s Runner of the Year clocked the third fastest 400m time in program history this season and earned three 2023 USTFCCCA Outdoor First Team All-American honors.

In a tremendous comeback season, Grace Stark extended her year by qualifying to the women’s 100m hurdles final after dropping an initial season best time of 12.74. Stark then improved upon that time and ran another season best in the final at 12.70 for an eighth place finish.

Robert Gregory got the Gators started on Saturday by dominating in the men’s 200m first round, picking up an automatic qualifying spot for the semifinals from the final heat with a 20.00. Gregory’s time was the fastest of all athletes and he will compete tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Kynnedy Flannel and Kyra Jefferson both ran in the first round of the women’s 200m. Flannel completed her season running 23.69, while Gator Great Jefferson qualified with a 22.80 for the semifinals tomorrow night at 8:45 p.m. ET.

Grant Holloway cruised through the second heat of the men’s 110-meter hurdles, crossing the line at 13.07 for the top qualifying mark. He will contest the semifinals tomorrow night at 9:02 p.m. ET.

Malcolm Clemons was 11th in the men’s Long Jump at 7.72m/25’4”.

Vanessa Watson finished up her 2023 season in the semis of the women’s 400-meter hurdles, crossing the line in 56.62.

USATF Outdoor Championships (All events are finals unless otherwise noted)

Event

Place, Gators (Time/Distance), Notes

200m (M) First Round

1. Robert Gregory (20.00), Advanced to Semifinals

200m (W) First Round

15. Kyra Jefferson (22.80), Advanced to Semifinals
27. Kynnedy Flannel (23.69)

110m Hurdles (M) First Round

1. Grant Holloway (13.07), Advanced to Semifinals

Long Jump (M)