Rio 2016: Teenage high jumper Vashti Cunningham will be youngest US track and field Olympian since 1980

VASHTI CUNNINGHAM will be the youngest US track and field Olympian since 1980, and she has some sporting pedigree – her father is NFL legend Randall Cunningham.

The 18-year-old high jumper finished second in the trial on Sunday to secure a Rio Olympic berth.

4

4

4

On March 20, Cunningham won the world indoor title in nearby Portland, clearing 1.96 meters to beat a field largely lacking top Olympic medal contenders.

She turned professional and signed with Nike a day later.

4

Related articles

caught & gold

Cricket in shock return to Olympics if Rome wins bidding war to host in 2024

Nova the moon

Russian whistleblower Yuliya Stepanova allowed to compete at Rio 2016 Olympics as neutral athlete

Run out of patience

Usain Bolt furious at being made to wait ahead of Olympic qualifiers

Ror comes out swinging

Rory McIlroy insists Olympics snubs over Zika virus do not mean male stars are wimps

Her father Randall, a retired Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys quarter-back, said on Sunday: “This is greater than anything I’ve ever done. It’s always better when you’re seeing your kids doing it.”

NOW READ

FESTIVE FIXTURES

Everton hold City to a draw, Man Utd & Chelsea feature in later kick-offs

CITY 1 EVERTON 1

Champions drop more points as Haaland misses penalty

NEW BOY

Man City transfer blow as star midfielder says he 'feels at home' where he is

PLEASE SPEND

Guardiola reveals City players are BEGGING club to buy new stars in January