Nigerian High Jumper Heads to Third Straight NCAA Finals

Nigerian high jumper Temitope Adeshina just proved why she's one of the best collegiate athletes in America, qualifying for her third consecutive NCAA Outdoor Championships with a flawless performance.

Adeshina topped the women's high jump at the NCAA West Preliminary Round in Arkansas on Saturday, clearing 1.87m without a single miss. She was one of only two jumpers in the entire field to achieve a perfect record, finishing first overall while her Texas Tech teammate Evelyn Lavielle placed fourth.

The 27-year-old heads to Eugene, Oregon for the championships running June 10-13, where she'll chase the outdoor title that's remained just out of reach. Her indoor resume is already impressive: she won her first NCAA indoor title in March 2025 after clearing 1.94m, becoming the first Nigerian ever to win an NCAA high jump championship.

This season alone, Adeshina has claimed two indoor titles and three consecutive Big 12 high jump crowns. Earlier this year, Texas Tech honored her with the International Student-Athlete Excellence Award in the women's category at their Red & Black Gala.

Her journey extends beyond college athletics. In 2024, she set a Nigerian national record and represented her country at the Paris Olympics, becoming only the second Nigerian woman to compete in Olympic high jump after Doreen Amata.

Why This Inspires

Adeshina's story shows what persistence looks like. She's dominated indoors, won conference championships, and represented her country on the world's biggest stage. Now she's focused on the one achievement that's eluded her: the NCAA outdoor crown.

Her flawless qualifying performance demonstrates the preparation and consistency that separates good athletes from great ones. Every height cleared without a miss isn't just athletic ability but mental strength and unwavering focus.

When championships begin later this month, Adeshina will carry Nigeria's pride and three years of outdoor championship experience into Eugene.