High school senior Vashti Cunningham, daughter of former Vikings quarterback Randall Cunningham, became the youngest champion ever at the world indoor track and field championships on Sunday in Portland, Ore.
Her winning jump of 6 feet, 5 inches is the latest mark in the stunning rise of the 18-year-old Cunningham, who set the American high school record in the event at the U.S. indoor championships last weekend.
Randall Cunningham, who is also his daughter's coach, leapt to his feet when she was pronounced the winner, and the crowd at the Portland Convention Center jumped with him.
"The people have been so supportive of her," Randall Cunningham said in a phone interview afterward. "Vashti has never had people clap when she's about to jump. And they know exactly when to clap. They're like the Seattle Seahawks — the 12th man."
She'll next try to make the U.S. team for the Olympics. But first she has to graduate from high school in Las Vegas.
"I'm excited on the inside but keeping it calm on the outside," she said.
baseball
Brewers outfielder Liriano hit in face
Milwaukee outfielder Rymer Liriano suffered multiple facial fractures Sunday when he was hit in the face with a pitch.
Liriano was carried off the field on a backboard. The team said he was expected to be hospitalized overnight.
