Manning Claims National Title in 60m Hurdles – Ohio State Buckeyes
3/10/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
March 10, 2012
VIDEO: Manning Interview | VIDEO: Coach Dennis Interview
NAMPA, Idaho – Ohio State sprinter/hurdler Christina Manning has officially notched her place as the nation’s top indoor hurdler after winning the gold medal in the 60m hurdles at the 2012 NCAA Indoor Championships with the fourth-fastest collegiate time in history. With the win, the senior became only the third Buckeye to collect an individual indoor championship.
“Christina was amazing today,” said head coach Karen Dennis. “She executed to a near flawless race.”
Running the fastest NCAA time since 2006, Manning finished the 60m hurdles in a blistering time of 7.91, the fastest time in the nation, Ohio State history and in the history of the Idaho Center. In the thrilling race, Manning crossed the line just ahead of the duo from Clemson of Brianna Rollins (7.93) and Bridgette Owens (8.03) who placed second and third, respectively. After winning the hurdles race, Manning stepped onto the track for the 60m dash. She ran a 7.26 for fifth. Freshman English Gardner (7.12) from Oregon claimed the gold to help her team seal another team title.
“It’s funny that her mother had a dream she would run 7.91 but thought she would run that time at Big Tens,” said Dennis. “She saved her fastest race for today to claim her first national championship! We’re all excited for her win as well as for her fifth-place performance in the 60m dash. Chris has an exciting future and I’m so proud of her contributions to our team and our program. With today’s performances she has solidified herself as the most accomplished sprinter/hurdler in the recent history of our track and field program.”
All in all, Manning earned 14 points for the Scarlet and Gray helping the team tie for 18th with Illinois State out of 62 teams. That is Ohio State’s highest team finish since 2001 when Donica Merriman also won a title in the 60m hurdles and the fourth-best finish in school history. The Oregon Ducks won their third consecutive team title with 49 points.
