Eight.
That’s how many times Sandi Morris has headed to the World Championships in pole vaulting.
The former Arkansas standout and Olympic silver medalist qualified for her eighth overall appearance Sunday night by clearing 15 feet, 1 1/2 inches. Morris won the 2022 title indoors and has finished second in the outdoor championships three times.
Alongside Morris at the games will be Shamier Little, a volunteer coach for the Razorbacks track team. Little was a three-time NCAA champion at Texas A&M before starting his coaching career. She won the 400-meter hurdles in 53.34 seconds.
Ryan Crouser, who trains in Fayetteville and previously helped the Arkansas track and field team, won the shot-put event with a throw of 75-0, putting him back in the Championships where he can defend last year’s title.
Morris clinched her spot despite sickness bothering her over the weekend.
“Even the most basic common cold can put you out. Took all the legal medications I could to help me get through today, all my vitamins. I was happy I was able to pull it off,” Morris said. “Can’t get better than just making the team and knowing that weight is off my chest.”