by Larry Eder
Vashti Cunningham, Millrose 2018, photo by PhotoRun.net
Vashti Cunningham has had a pretty modest season of competition so far. Indoors, she competed three times. On February 6, Vashti Cunningham cleared 1.96 meters at the Millrose Games. On February 18, Ms. Cunningham cleared 1.97 meters when she took the US championships in Albuquerque. In Birmingham, Vashti attempted to defend her 2016 World Indoor title, and finished in silver position, behind Maria Lasitskene. Vashti Cunningham ended her indoor season at 1.93 meters in the World Indoors.
In the outdoor season, Vashti Cunningham opened at Mt.SAC on April 21 with a nice 1.91 meters. Her second competition, at Drake on April 27, Cunningham cleare 1.94 meters. Her Diamond League debut in 2018 was the Rome Golden Gala, where she finished sixth in 1.94 meters, with Maria Lasitskene clearing 2.02 meters for the WL.
At the USATF Champs, the premier American high jumper passed at 1.78 meters, then cleared 1.83 meters on her second attempt. Cunningham dominated the High jump, with first attempt clearances of 1.86 meters, 1.89 meters and 1.92 meters. She took three attempts at 1.95 meters, but won the event there.
Inika McPherson had the early lead, clearing 1.83m and 1.86m on her first attempts. She then took three at 1.89 meters, two attempts at 1.92 meters, and then, at 1.95 meters, took all three, but did not clear 1.95 meters.
For Vashti Cunningham, we hope to see the new champion in Europe this summer.
