By: Madi Seneghore
Gambian Olympian Sanu Jallow-Lockhart has set a new NCAA women’s 800 metres record and a new Gambian national record after winning the event at the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the United States.
Representing the University of Arkansas, Jallow clocked 1 minute 56.85 seconds to win the title at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, on 13 June.
The performance made her the fastest collegiate woman in history over the distance, surpassing the previous NCAA record of 1:57.73 set by American Olympic champion Athing Mu in 2021.
Jallow’s winning time also established a new Gambian national record in the women’s 800 metres.
The final was among the highlights of the championships, with several athletes recording personal bests. Jallow, however, produced a commanding performance to secure her first NCAA outdoor title.
The athlete represented The Gambia at the 2024 Olympic Games and has continued to make progress on the international stage.
Her latest achievement further enhances her status as one of The Gambia’s leading middle-distance runners and one of Africa’s emerging athletics talents.
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