The redshirt sophomore Jordan Anthony from the University of Arkansas sent shockwaves through the athletics world at the NCAA West First Round in College Station, Texas, when he blazed to a stunning 9.75 seconds in the 100m on May 31.
Though the wind reading of +2.1 meters per second placed the mark just outside the legal limit for record ratification, the performance positioned Anthony as one of the fastest collegiate sprinters under all conditions. It also landed him second on the collegiate all-time performer list and third on the U.S. all-time list in any conditions, a feat no one could ignore.
Now, ahead of the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Anthony is receiving endorsements from some of the sport’s biggest names, including 100m World Champion and indoor 60m world record holder, Christian Coleman.
A Salute From the World Champion
In response to an NCAA callout for messages of encouragement ahead of the National Championships, Coleman didn’t hesitate to show his support.
“Of course shoutout to my Vols!! Big Orange was made for the big stage! Salute to Jordan Anthony! I’ve been watching his journey, and he deserves to take down that 100m record!” Coleman wrote.
Coleman, who clocked his personal 100m best of 9.76 in 2019, sees the potential in Anthony to rewrite the collegiate record books, perhaps as soon as this weekend in Eugene.
Anthony’s Blazing 2024 Season
Anthony’s standout season didn’t begin and end in Texas. At the SEC Championships, he captured both the 100m and 200m titles, stopping the clock at 9.95 and 19.93 seconds respectively. That made him just the third sprinter in SEC history to secure both sprint crowns with sub-10 and sub-20 second times.
He also ranked second nationally in 2021 with a 100m time of 10.21 seconds, proving his consistency at the highest level. His name remains firmly planted on the Bowerman Watch List, track and field’s highest collegiate honor.
Despite his achievements, Anthony has remained composed under pressure. In a recent interview with TNT Sports’ Stan Becton, when asked whether his breakthrough season added any extra pressure, he gave his perpective.
“No, I will say I am more focused on improving instead of proving people wrong, so that’s what I will say.”
Eyes on Eugene
While the wind-aided 9.75 in College Station might not have counted as an official record, Jordan Anthony is ready to challenge history.
With the NCAA Championships set in Eugene, famously known as TrackTown, USA, all eyes will be on the young sprinter to see if he can legally dip under the 9.79 collegiate record mark.
Anthony’s confidence and motivation are at an all-time high. The track is set, the stakes are high, and history could be just a blink away.
