Ex-Clovis High star Jenna Prandini wins 200 at U.S. track and field championships

Two weeks after making history at Hayward Field, Jenna Prandini did it again Sunday when capturing the U.S. women’s 200-meter title to become only the second college athlete to accomplish the feat, joining LSU’s Kimberlyn Duncan (also in the 200) in 2013.

Prandini, who starred at Clovis High, got a strong jump off the gun, rounded Bowerman Curve and broke away down the final stretch while raising both arms as she crossed the finish line in 22.20 seconds. She broke her own school record (22.21 set at NCAA Outdoors) and is the fourth fastest time in the world this season.

“It couldn’t have been a better race for me,” said Prandini. “My coach has been telling me this whole year, you can do it, you can do it.”

Candyce McGrone was second (22.38) and Jeneba Tarmoh third (22.44).

Earlier this month, Prandini helped the Ducks track and field team win its first NCAA women’s team title in 31 years. In her redshirt junior season, Prandini won NCAA titles in the long jump indoors, 100 outdoors and will now represent the United States on the world stage for the first time in August at the IAAF track and field championships in Beijing.

Prandini also qualified for the U.S. 100 finals on Friday but finished sixth.

“It hasn’t really hit me right now,” Prandini said. “I’m thrilled. I couldn’t be any happier and I’m excited to go to Beijing.”

This story was originally published June 28, 2015 at 5:22 PM with the headline "Ex-Clovis High star Jenna Prandini wins 200 at U.S. track and field championships."