Kayla White–World's Fastest Woman

"I do think that this has shaken up a lot of things for a lot of people. I think that people should stay tuned to see what she's capable of because her season is not done yet, and neither is she."

-Kianna Gray, University of Kentucky All-American on Kayla White

Senior Kayla White of North Carolina A&T is the fastest woman on earth!

I traveled from Ohio to Greensboro North Carolina to witness history at the MEAC Championships, and that mission was accomplished. On Saturday, May 4, after White crossed the finish line in the 100-meter dash, the scoreboard read 10.96 seconds. That is the fastest time in the world for the 2019 season.

In fact only four women in the history of the NCAA have run faster times than White. She also became the first woman at an HBCU (Historical Black College and University) to finish the 100-meter dash in under 11 seconds. Another thing to take into perspective is that she is also the only woman from a non-BCS bowl eligible school to be listed in the NCAA's top 10 100-meter times.

All-Time NCAA 100-Meter Dash Performers

1. Dawn Sowell–LSU, 10.78 (1989)

2. Aleia Hobbs–LSU, 10.85 (2017)

3. Jenna Prandini–Oregon, 10.92 (2015)

4. Simone Facey–Texas A&M, 10.95 (2008)

5. Kayla White–North Carolina A&T, 10.96 (2019)

5. Mikiah Brisco–LSU, 10.96 (2017)

5. English Gardner–Oregon, 10.96 (2013)

5. Kimberly Duncan–LSU, 10.96 (2012)

9. Lauryn Williams–Miami (Fla.) 10.97 (2004)

10. Shania Collins–Tennessee (10.98) (2018)

10. Ashley Henderson–San Diego State (10.98) (2018)

10. Debbie Ferguson–Georgia (10.98) (1999)

White's performance is comparable to a mid-major football team defeating Alabama, or a team from the MEAC winning the NCAA tournament. It was special to be in attendance to see her set a new standard of competition for student athletes at HBCUs. Oftentimes top athletes are sold on competing for programs with bigger names, and major TV deals. They are convinced that HBCUs are no longer necessary, and that their athletic abilities won't develop to the highest levels as they could at institutions that compete in conferences like the SEC, PAC-12, Big Ten among others.

After she became the fastest woman in the world, White took the MEAC 200-meter dash title in 22.52, which currently ranks second on the planet. Her teammate, freshman Cambrea Sturgis, was runner-up in the race at 22.62, which is the fifth best time on earth. Sturgis also placed third in the 100-meter dash at 11.19, and that time is currently ninth in the world.

White's performance is receiving respect from her peers at bigger institutions. "I don't think it should be a surprise to anyone, being that she showed us what she was capable of during indoor season, and she hasn't stopped since," said Kentucky All-American senior Kianna Gray.

"I do think that this has shaken up a lot of things for a lot of people. I think that people should stay tuned to see what she's capable of because her season is not done yet, and neither is she."

At the start of 2019, White grabbed headlines by being named the NCAA Division I Indoor Track Athlete of the Year, where she won the 200-meter dash with the world's fastest time of 22.66. She also placed second in the 60-meter hurdles at 7.92. Up next for White is the NCAA East Regional Championship in Jacksonville, Fla., May 23-25.

Akobundu Among Nation's Best at MEAC Meet

With so much of the news being about Kayla White, North Carolina A&T junior, Madeleine Akobundu, did her part in making sure the MEAC meet was not a one woman act. Akobundu took wins in the 100-meter hurdles, and long jump at the MEAC Championships.

Her 100-meter hurdles time of 12.81, now stands as the seventh best time in the world, and third best in the NCAA. Akobundu is the only competitor not in the SEC, ACC or PAC-12 in the top 10 of the NCAA. Her teammate junior TeJyrica Robinson, finished second at 12.98, and ranks eleventh in the NCAA. The two are the only non SEC, ACC or PAC-12 competitors in the top 15 of the NCAA.

Akobundu took the long jump title on May 3, with a mark of 6.21, edging out Bethune-Cookman junior, Gabrielle Collins at 6.20. Akobundu had to dig deep during this event as Collins, a charismatic crowd pleasing performer, led for most of the action. Akobundu's final jump put her over the top of Collins who qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in 2018, placing 23rd in the nation, when she competed for Western Michigan.