WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Fayetteville State women's track and field opened its 2025–26 indoor season in spectacular fashion at the JDL Early Bird Meet on Sunday, highlighted by Faith Kiplimo's historic run in the mile.
Kiplimo delivered a personal best of 4:51.07, which not only earned her second place overall but also set a new Fayetteville State school record, met the NCAA Division II provisional qualifying standard, and currently ranks her No. 1 in the NCAA DII Atlantic Region for the event. Her performance headlined a strong day for the Broncos' distance squad, which placed three runners in the top 12 as Pelisha Kosgei (5:17.96) and Videlma Jebet (5:18.04) followed closely behind.
In the 800 meters, Repline Cheptoo and Nia Gibson added depth with sixth- and ninth-place finishes in 2:26.56 and 2:28.38, respectively.
On the sprint side, Mikalyn Chambers led the way in the 60-meter dash with a time of 8.16 seconds, while Ma'Ryah Hargrove (8.17) and Mia Thompson (8.22) rounded out the top performers. Chambers also impressed in the triple jump, finishing 10th with a mark of 11.40 meters (37-05.00).
Taniya Dickerson made an immediate impact in the 60-meter hurdles, clocking 9.36 for 20th place, while Tanzania Washington followed in 9.49. In the 200 meters, Abraonna Williams posted a time of 26.23 to finish 20th overall, and Sanai Forte highlighted the 400-meter group with a 59.43 effort in the seeded section, placing 10th.
The Broncos also excelled in the field events. Sheree Wright cleared 1.57 meters (5-01.75) in the high jump for fourth place, while Jayda Wilson and Kaiya Wright followed at 1.52m and 1.47m. In the long jump, Holley Johnson recorded a mark of 5.22 meters (17-01.50), and Williams added 5.09 meters. Paige Simmons-Norris placed 10th in the shot put with a throw of 11.08 meters (36-04.25).
Fayetteville State closed the meet with a strong showing in the 4x400-meter relay, as the quartet of Dickerson, Forte, Washington, and Sanai Phillips combined for a time of 4:21.63 to finish eighth.
The Broncos will resume competition on Saturday, January 17, when they travel to Washington Heights, N.Y., for the HBCU Showcase.
