Senior Vashti Thomas proved she belongs among the country's elite after three impressive performances in the 100m hurdles as part of the 2013 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Starting in the first round on Friday, Thomas went 12.79, snagging third place in her heat which automatically qualified her for Saturday's semifinals. The NCAA DII National Champion then exploded to a 12.63 in the semi's which, though wind-aided, pushed her into the finals later that same day. Now alongside Brianna Rollins (Nike), Queen Harrison (Saucony), Lolo Jones (Asics), and others in the finals, Thomas finished seventh overall with a time of 12.86.
Additionally, Thomas competed in the long jump where she went up against the likes of Olympic gold medalist Brittney Reese, Olympic bronze medalist Janay DeLoach, and several others. In her first attempt, the NCAA DII National Champion delivered a 20-1.75 (6.14m) to sit in sixth place after one round. Thomas, who would later run in the finals of the 100mH, passed on her final two attempts and did not qualify for the finals, finishing 10th overall. Though she did not make Team USA on this occasion, Thomas still showed she has a bright future among the country's best.
