Building a jumps dynasty. She is the third current student to HJ 1.91, fifth to LJ 6.58 and second to TJ 13.17.
Seriously. The good news just keeps coming. The coaches are killing it!Building a jumps dynasty. She is the third current student to HJ 1.91, fifth to LJ 6.58 and second to TJ 13.17.
I mean, NIL $$. Has to be, right?
Not really. Research Kyprianou's background and you will see why elite athletes want to train under him (especially international athletes).I mean, NIL $$. Has to be, right?
I’m just happily amazed.
He gets athletes to Olympic level status, great for $ponsorship/endorsements.Not really. Research Kyprianou's background and you will see why elite athletes want to train under him (especially international athletes).
fightingillini.com
fightingillini.com
Exactly. This is a masterclass. It will be so fun to watch them compete!The talent Petros is assembling in Champaign is truly amazing.
Not his focus. Most programs go one of two directions. They either go heavy on distance folks who can double in both track and cross country or they go with sprinters and hurdlers who can also flesh out relays. In his mind he believes that he can win a national championship by focusing on field events because there are fewer schools going after those athletes. He has a natural advantage with events like hammer, weight throw and javelin because he has a strong base internationally where those events are competed more frequently than in the U.S. He has coached for four different countries in the Olympics and other competitions.Love the signings,but could really use some more distance and middle distance runners if we intend to have viable cross-country teams.
Kienast is a 23 year old freshman who has competed across Europe for a number of years.![]()
Illinois Track and Field Adds Mid-Year Signee Lucie Kienast - University of Illinois Athletics
Kienast will join the team at the beginning of the 2025 season as a freshman.fightingillini.com
Am aware, and am certainly enjoying our success, but as an old (literally) cross-country runner ( mediocre) my focus has always been on the distance runners. Pretty sure I can adjust.Not his focus. Most programs go one of two directions. They either go heavy on distance folks who can double in both track and cross country or they go with sprinters and hurdlers who can also flesh out relays. In his mind he believes that he can win a national championship by focusing on field events because there are fewer schools going after those athletes. He has a natural advantage with events like hammer, weight throw and javelin because he has a strong base internationally where those events are competed more frequently than in the U.S. He has coached for four different countries in the Olympics and other competitions.
I am with you, old cross-country runner. I do appreciate the field athletes though.Am aware, and am certainly enjoying our success, but as an old (literally) cross-country runner ( mediocre) my focus has always been on the distance runners. Pretty sure I can adjust.
I hear ya. I was weaned on Durkin, Virgin, LaBadie, Brooks, et al, under Weneke. So many good distance men in those days.Am aware, and am certainly enjoying our success, but as an old (literally) cross-country runner ( mediocre) my focus has always been on the distance runners. Pretty sure I can adjust.
Have fond memories of Lee LaBadie tearing up the field after my freshman race in the old central suburban north.I hear ya. I was weaned on Durkin, Virgin, LaBadie, Brooks, et al, under Weneke. So many good distance men in those days.