The commencement of the indoor track and field season this weekend yielded a series of high-caliber performances.
For the African contingent in the NCAA and on the pro circuit, the opening meets weren’t about shaking off rust—they were about making statements. We saw National Records fall in New York and South Carolina, and a long jumper in Minnesota drop a sprint time that should terrify the rest of the league.
Here are the 10 athletes who owned the weekend, ranked by just how massive their performances were.
The Headliners
1. Ibrahim Yakubu (Ghana) – Unattached
The Mark: 7.76s (60m Hurdles) This was the “wow” moment of the weekend. Running at the West Point Invitational, Yakubu didn’t just grab a win; he put the entire hurdles world on notice. His 7.76 finish destroys the Ghanaian Indoor National Record. To open the season sub-7.80 is elite territory—he’s not just looking to compete this year; he’s looking to make finals on the global stage.
2. Charles Godfred (Nigeria) – Unattached
The Mark: 6.62s (60m Dash) We know Godfred is a 26-foot long jumper, but what he did at the Minnesota Open was absurd. He stepped onto the track and ripped a 6.62 in the 60m dash. For context, that time would essentially lock him into the NCAA finals in an event that isn’t even his specialty. That is world-class explosive power, plain and simple.
3. Saad Hinti (Morocco) – Tennessee
The Mark: 32.46s (300m) Hinti is looking dangerous. At the Clemson Invitational, he stormed through the 300m in 32.46 seconds, taking down the Moroccan National Record in the process. That time lands him at #12 on the all-time collegiate list. He didn’t call it a day there, either—he came back to anchor the Vols to a win in the 4x400m.
The Title Threats
4. Esther Joseph (Nigeria) – Tennessee
The Mark: 23.11s (200m) If you’re looking for the woman to beat this season, start here. Joseph clocked a 23.11, which stood as the #1 time in the NCAA for the weekend. She looked powerful off the curve and completely in control. This run also pushes her into the Top 10 on the African All-Time Indoor list.
5. Theo Mudzengerere (Zimbabwe) – Kentucky
The Mark: 16.39m / 53′ 9.25″ (Triple Jump) Defending home turf at the Rod McCravy Memorial, the Kentucky transfer exploded for a massive lifetime best. A jump of 16.39m is a serious statement this early in January. He’s now #2 all-time indoors for Kentucky and looks like a legitimate threat for a National Title.
The History Makers
6. Brian Kweyei (Kenya) – Clemson
The Mark: 1:15.42 (600m) Kweyei clearly loves running at home. He took down the Clemson School Record in the 600m (previously 1:16.10), running a fearless race from the front. If he has this kind of speed in January, his 800m is going to be something to watch.
7. Gladys Chepngetich (Kenya) – Clemson
The Mark: 1:26.66 (600m) Anything the men can do, Gladys can match. She lowered her own School Record in the 600m with a dominant solo effort. She’s making fast times look effortless right now, which is a warning shot to the rest of the ACC.
8. N Vanee Anchike (Ghana) – UTRGV
The Mark: 2:55.68 (1k) & 5:00.79 (Mile) Anchike had herself a weekend at LSU. She became the first woman in UTRGV history to break the 3-minute barrier in the 1,000m, setting a new Program Record. To have the legs to come back and win the mile shortly after? That’s pure grit.
The “Statement” Wins
9. Victor Ndiwa (Kenya) – Clemson
The Mark: 1:51.44 (800m) Ndiwa showed off some serious range. After running a tough 600m earlier in the meet (placing 4th), he bounced back to win the 800m decisively. His strength over the final lap was the difference-maker.
10. Silvia Jelelgo (Kenya) – Clemson
The Mark: 2:05.91 (800m) Jelelgo rounded out a perfect weekend for the Clemson distance squad. She controlled the race from the gun, dipping well under 2:06. It was a clinical, professional performance to kick off her campaign.
