May 13, 2002

Starkville, MS – The SEC Women’s Outdoor Track and Field title is back where it belongs today – in Columbia, SC. The three individuals who won SEC titles on Sunday have jumped into the top five 2002 performances in the world – with Otukile Lekote the world leader.

Otukile Lekote won the men’s 800m title with a time of 1:45.24. Lekote’s time is the top performance in the world thus far in 2002. Lekote is also No. 1 in the NCAA. But, while his time was an SEC record, his school record of 1:44.47 still stands from last season.

Tiffany Ross ran an SEC record 55.74 to win the 400m hurdles. The time is the fifth best performances in the world in 2002 and the second best in the USA. Ross’ time is No. 1 in the NCAA and a school record by a half second.

Finally, Lashinda Demus’ 51.24 sits at No. 4 on the world performance list in 2002 in the 400m. Her time is No. 1 in the NCAA in 2002.

USC also won the SEC title in the 4x400m relay on both sides.