Gusin reaches new heights in Georgia opener

NCAA indoor runner-up produces world-leading high jump clearance at Clemson to tie venue record, elevate to No. 2 in program history

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Tatiana Gusin had 10 months to contemplate the outcome of the women’s high jump final at the NCAA Indoor Championships, when Kansas State’s Akela Jones edged the Georgia standout by one inch for the title.

Gusin demonstrated Saturday in her season opener at Clemson’s Orange and Purple Classic that she is not only motivated to win an NCAA championship, but ready to challenge some of the best vertical jumpers in the world.

The Greek star produced a world-leading indoor clearance of 6 feet, 2.75 inches (1.90m) on her final attempt to equal the venue record set in 2004 by Chaunte Lowe when she was competing at Georgia Tech.

RESULTS

Gusin, a senior, moved into a tie for second in program history with three-time Olympian Levern Spencer, who cleared 6-2.75 in 2008 at Clemson.

Only Cyprus national record holder Leontia Kallenou, who cleared 6-4 (1.93m) to win the 2015 NCAA indoor title, is ahead of Gusin and Spencer on the Bulldogs’ all-time list.

Gusin entered the season with an indoor personal best of 6-1.50 (1.87m). She only had a top outdoor clearance of 6-1.25 (1.86m) from 2014 and redshirted the spring outdoor season.