GAINESVILLE (January 12, 2024) - The FIU track and field program opened up its 2024 indoor season Friday at the Jimmy Carnes Invitational, highlighted by a pair of victories from its all-conference tandem of Michaelle Valentin and Nicole Janse Van Rensburg. 

Valetin started the season in style, winning the weight throw with a mark of 20.70m which stands as the 18th best mark in the NCAA, and setting a personal best in the shot put of 12.97m to take third. Van Rensburg earned the victory in the pole vault, leaping 4.15m - a facility record at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center, besting her former teammate Filippa Miller's mark there. Van Rensburg's mark is also tied for 19th in the NCAA. 

"This was a sharp start to the season for a lot of our athletes," said head coach Ryan Heberling. "We're looking forward to being back in this venue soon and continuing to improve." 

RESULTS

The Panthers were impressive in the weight throw, with Elizabeth Alfred taking second, Fabrienne Foster third, and Gabby Bryan fourth. In her first meet for FIU, Luca Keszthelyi earned a second place mark in the high jump, while Luciana Gomez-Iriondo placed second in the pole vault. 

FIU will return to Gainesville January 19-20 for the RADD Sports Collegiate Invitational. 

SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIU_TRACK on Twitter, @fiu_trackandfield on Instagram and @FIUTrackXC on Facebook. General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.