FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - USC's track and field team made a powerful statement at the NCAA Indoor Championships, with Garrett Kaalund leading the charge by setting an NCAA and American record in the 200m.
The atmosphere was electric as Kaalund rounded the final curve. The senior showcased incredible speed, pulling away by an impressive .22 margin to clinch the 200m national title.
His groundbreaking time of 19.95 seconds marks the first time a collegiate athlete has broken the 20-second barrier indoors. This achievement shatters the previous record of 20.2 set by Elijah Hall-Thompson in 2018 and stands as the second-fastest time in world history, just .03 seconds shy of Frank Fredricks' 1996 world record.
Adding to the Trojans' success, Madison Whyte claimed the national runner-up spot in the women's 400m. She displayed remarkable determination, surging on the backstretch to win her heat and secure second place overall with a personal best of 50.68 seconds.
Dajaz DeFrand and Brianna Selby also shone, earning First Team All-American honors in the women's 60m. DeFrand finished seventh with a time of 7.25, while Selby was right behind in eighth at 7.26. DeFrand capped her indoor season with another eighth-place finish in the women's 200m, clocking in at 23.40.
In the team standings, USC's women finished 20th with 12 points, and the men placed 30th with 10 points.
Looking ahead, the Trojans are gearing up for the outdoor season, beginning with the Ron and Sharlene Allice Trojan Invite on March 27 and 28 at Allyson Felix Field, Katherine B. Loker Track Stadium. Fans can find ticket information and meet updates on usctrojans.com and follow @usc_track_field on Instagram and X for the latest news.