Sakari Famous Wins At LSU Purple Tiger Invite
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermuda high jumper Sakari Famous made a winning return to competition after recovering from a back injury and feels confident of a successful indoor campaign.
Famous competed for the first time in almost a year at the weekend, winning her event with a jump of 1.80 metres at the LSU Purple Tiger at the LSU Carl Maddox Fieldhouse in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The 23-year-old said she is thrilled to be back doing what she loves, having missed the outdoors last year because of a stress fracture.
“I’m so glad to be back and enjoying the event I love because track and field will always have a spot in my heart,” Famous told Bernews.
“My back feels amazing! I made sure it was well-rested and recovered. I’ve put the work in to ensure my back is better than before. I believe the results I have been having in practice show that.
“After an injury, there are always thoughts of, ‘Will I be able to reach great form again.’ But after this fall training, I feel in good form for the upcoming season.”
Famous was in fine form for McNeese University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, before picking up the injury, winning six straight indoor meets last year.
She said her main goal is to reach the NCAA Division I Indoor Championships at The Track at New Balance in Boston, Massachusetts, from March 8 to 9.
“This school [McNeese] has always given me an environment I feel supported to flourish and strive to be great,” she said.
“I will strive to jump whatever height will get me in the top 16, which will take me to the NCAA Championships.”
Famous, who represented Bermuda at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022, said she also hopes to improve her school and national records.
“When I enjoy my time, great things can happen, so we will see where that takes me,” she added. “That may be the Olympic Games [in Paris this summer] or other big world championships.”
