Thames Earns All-American Honorable Mention at NCAA Nationals

Wednesday, June 10

Eugene, OR

Southern Illinois University

NCAA Outdoor National Championships

Leah Thames competes in the 400-meter dash in the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregan, on June 11, 2026.

Photo by: Will Nelson / Idaho State Sports Information Assistant

06/11/2026 | 9:43:00 | Track and Field

Results

By: Peter Borkowski

EUGENE, Ore. - The 2026 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships is underway at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregan, and Southern Illinois' representative, Leah Thames, competed in the 400-meter dash Thursday evening, where she captured a All-American Honorable Mention title.

"I'm extremely proud of Leah this year," says Richard Jones, Director of Track and Field and Cross Country. "It's not the outcome we wanted but making it to the final round of nationals is a huge accomplishment. She represented Southern Illinois on the national stage and did not disappoint."

How It Happened
Thames lined up in the 400-meter dash Thursday evening in the second heat. She placed eighth in the heat and 23rd overall in the event thanks to her time of 52.99, earning her the All-American Honorable Mention accolade.

Thames is the Salukis' first All-American since Rachel Anderson earned Second-Team honors in the 3000-meter steeplechase in 2024.

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