Sakari Famous says she is looking forward to even bigger and better things after securing her maiden collegiate title.

The University of Georgia freshman won the women’s high jump with a leap of 1.78 metres on her third and final attempt at the Torrin Lawrence Memorial in Athens at the weekend.

“I’m really grateful for my results this past meet,” the Bermudian said. I wasn’t aware of my position until the very end when they announced my name before I was about to jump, so I was really excited on the inside but had to stay focused on my jump, which secured my position.

“It has been a bit of a struggle these past few months, but I can say that I’m slowly but surely improving. I appreciate all of the support and positive encouragement that I have received and looking forward to jumping higher heights in future competitions.

“It was a special moment as it was my first win in a collegiate meet. My focus is more on improving my height, which would put me in a better position to compete in higher level competitions.

Donna Raynor, the Bermuda National Athletics Association president, is delighted that the multiple Carifta Games medal-winner has achieved another milestone in her career.

“I’ m happy to see that things are falling into place,” Raynor said. “First place at any competition in university is a great result. I look forward to her competing for Bermuda this summer. We are hoping to send her to University Games in Naples, Italy, and the Pan Am Games in Lima, Peru.”

Rohaan Simons, the Bermuda jumping coach, said Famous’s ability to overcome challenges speaks volumes about her character.

“I’m really excited because obviously it’s about the journey and sometimes things don’t go your way,” he said.

“It’s going to show what type of person you are; are you going to blame others for your failure or push forward and work harder to improve on the things you need to improve. That’s the stage she’s at now.

“I told her that at this stage you’re going to have a breakthrough if you continue to improve on the things that you are not doing so well. This was a breakthrough and where she is at right now mentally is really, really positive.”