News Summary
Hannah Kiess, a sprinter from the University of New Mexico, made a stunning comeback by breaking a 41-year-old program record in the 400-meter hurdles at the NCAA West First Round. Achieving a personal best of 57.70 seconds, she became the first woman from her university to complete the distance in under 58 seconds after a two-year hiatus. Kiess’s victory was celebrated alongside her teammates, who also reached a significant milestone, securing a spot in the NCAA Outdoor Championships for the first time in program history.
College Station, Texas – Hannah Kiess, a sprinter from the University of New Mexico (UNM), made a remarkable return to track athletics on May 31, breaking a long-standing 41-year-old program record in the 400-meter hurdles at the NCAA West First Round. After a two-year hiatus from competitive racing, she achieved a personal best time of 57.70 seconds, making history as the first Lobo woman to run the distance in under 58 seconds.
Before her outstanding performance, Kiess was ranked 31st in the West Region, but her recent achievements propelled her not only into the spotlight but also set a new benchmark for future female sprinters at her university. Her triumph was matched by her Lobo teammates in the women’s 4×400 meter relay team, which also secured a place in the NCAA Outdoor Championships for the first time in program history while improving upon their previous school record during the same event.
The celebration was palpable following her race, as Kiess shared a heartfelt moment with her sprints coach, Kyra Mohns. This victory marked an emotional comeback for Kiess, who had transitioned back into athletics after a prolonged absence. Before the West Regionals, Kiess had been balancing her studies as a finance major, active participation in Kappa Delta Chi, and various volunteer initiatives, albeit feeling a void in her life that she ultimately filled by returning to track.
The successes of Kiess and her teammates contributed to an impressive total of 11 qualifiers from the Lobo track and field team for the NCAA Outdoor Championships, tying them for the second-most in program history, alongside the achievements of the teams from 2009 and 2022.
During the NCAA West Regionals, UNM athletes displayed a deep commitment to excellence. Besides Kiess’s noteworthy performance, multiple athletes recorded personal and program records across various events, showcasing the depth of talent within the team.
Kiess’s journey serves as an inspiring narrative of overcoming obstacles and reclaiming passion. After taking time away from the sport, she rediscovered her love for track and field and worked diligently to hone her sprinting abilities, culminating in her historic performance in College Station.
As the outdoor season progresses, the hopes for the Lobo track and field team and Kiess specifically remain high. She now prepares for the upcoming NCAA Outdoor Championships, bringing her hard work and newfound determination to the next level of competition.
This extraordinary accomplishment not only highlights Kiess’s talent but also signifies a renewal of strength for the Lobo women’s track and field program, which continues to break barriers and establish new records.
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Additional Resources
- Albuquerque Journal
- Wikipedia: Hurdling
- Mountain West Conference
- Google Search: Hannah Kiess
- RunnerSpace
- Google Scholar: 400-meter hurdles record
- University of New Mexico Athletics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Station
- Google News: 400m hurdles record NCAA
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