Mmekom Inyang put on quite a show at the last home track meet of the year for the Richmond Hill High School track program, setting a couple records along the way.
Many may remember Inyang from her dominant junior campaign on the hardwood, as she earned Defensive Player of the Year Honors in Region 1-7A basketball, as well as First Team All-Greater Savannah basketball team.
But it was her efforts on the track that had heads turning on Monday night as she set her personal best in the 100 meter hurdles with a run of 14.61 seconds–also fast enough to break the school record in the event–on her way to winning the race.
“This is really exciting for me,” Inyang said. “I have been after this record for a long time and I am so happy to have finally achieved it.”
Inyang was not done there, as she and three of her teammates would compete in the 4x1 relay–one of the most popular events for fans and athletes–and together, they would accomplish another feat of a personal record time and a new school record of 48.46 seconds, on their way to a victory.
“I had a feeling that we may get a new PR [personal record] today,” Inyang said. “Today has been a really good day for myself and the program.”
In addition to the personal best times, Inyang achieved a personal record of 36-6.50 on shot put, placing her in second behind her teammate, Jada Brown, who was also a standout player on the basketball team. Brown set a new PR as well of 39-8.50.
“I have not been doing shot put for very long,” Inyang said. “But I have improved my distance by over four feet since I started. I am trying to become well-rounded in all aspects, so I can compete on the college level as a heptathlon athlete.
“It does not exist at the high school level, but it is something I want to do collegiately. It comprises seven events over a two-day period, which is why it does not exist at the high school level. But I am looking forward to competing in a couple of years, so I want to be ready for it.”
Inyang currently trains for the event in the summer, while participating on the Coastal Club travel team for track and field. While being torn between what sport she wants to continue collegiately, this track season has cleared it up.
“Track is my peace of mind,” Inyang said. “It gives me a chance to be better than yesterday, each day I go out there. It is me against me. That motivates me to go out and get better daily.
“I have been participating in track for only two years, which is the shortest time of any sport, but it is truly my favorite. It is a challenge, but I love to be challenged. The hurdled run is something I added last year, and it’s my favorite event.”
Inyang also finished first in her heat in the 200 meter event, and took home a fourth place finish overall in the event.
“It was a great day for me,” Inyang said. “I want to give thanks to my family, teammates and God for getting me this far. I would not be here without them.”
“Inyang is by far and away the hardest worker in the program,” track coach Heather Sybert said. “No matter what it is you give her or ask of her, she will work as hard as she can to get it done, and then she gets it done.”