Tech News Summary:
- Ruta Lasmane won a bronze medal in the triple jump at the 2023 NCAA Outdoor Championships, earning her third consecutive First Team All-American honor.
- Red Raider members Anne-Suzanna Fosther-Katta, Rosemary Chukwuma, and Onaara Obamuwagun also had impressive showings and set personal bests in their respective events.
- The Texas Tech women’s track team had a successful outing overall and made their presence felt at one of the biggest events on their calendar.
In an unforgettable evening of thrilling competition and dramatic moments, Lasmane pulled off a stunning upset to claim the coveted bronze medal at the annual national figure skating championship on Saturday night. The achievement made her the first skater from her country in a decade to stand on the podium at the prestigious event.
The exhilarating performance by Lasmane, who had been considered an underdog heading into the competition, drew a deafening appreciation from a packed audience at the arena as she executed a program that shone with power, precision and grace. She landed a series of dazzling jumps, including a triple axel, and spun effortlessly on the ice, showcasing her unique blend of technical prowess and artistry.
Her dazzling display earned her a huge score of 187.65, a personal best, and put her in the third position behind two highly-rated skaters. The moment she knew she had clinched the bronze medal, Lasmane dropped to her knees in tears, overcome with emotion and joy.
“This feels like a dream come true,” gushed Lasmane in an emotional post-game interview. “I worked so hard for this opportunity and I’m so grateful for it. To stand on the podium amongst such fantastic skaters is an honor I will always cherish.”
Indeed, over the course of the weekend, Lasmane had to overcome a lot of adversity, including a minor injury during the warm-up to the final event. However, she continued to skate with determination and poise, showing why she was worthy of the medal.
The spectators and fellow athletes marveled at her resilience and tenacity, and the judges praised her unwavering focus and commitment. Reflecting on her achievement, Lasmane expressed her gratitude to her coaches, family, and supporters for their unwavering support and encouragement.
In the end, Lasmane’s bronze victory left an indelible mark on those who witnessed it, demonstrating that with hard work, passion, and grit, anything is possible. Her brilliance on the ice will be remembered for a long time in the annals of national figure skating history.