Vashti Cunningham is only 18 years old, but she has already had a more decorated career than most other athletes in the sport. Cunningham just graduated from Bishop Gorman High School in Nevada this spring, but turned pro by signing with Nike before she graduated.
Vashti Cunningham after winning the USATF Indoor Track & Field Championships:
Later that month, while most high schoolers were on spring break, Cunningham was in Portland, Oregon, competing at the IAAF World Indoor Championships. Cunningham was the U.S. indoor champion and world leader entering the competition. Without any missed attempts, she won with a clearance of 1.96m/6-5.25.
Vashti Cunningham after winning the IAAF World Indoor Championships:
In the qualification rounds this past Thursday, Cunningham cleared the automatic qualifying mark of 1.94m to advance to the finals.
The reigning indoor world champion was expected to medal in the final this evening. There, she got off to a good start by clearing the opening height, 1.88m, on her first attempt. But after that, she was not able to clear 1.93m.
This year, Cunningham had a world-leading mark, won the U.S. Indoor Championships, won the Indoor World Championship and made it to the final round at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Although Cunningham did not have her best day in Rio, she had one of the most epic seasons in high school history.
