In just two collegiate races, Claudia Francis has established herself as one of the top 400-meter hurdlers in school history

 

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida track and field program opened the 72nd annual Pepsi Florida Relays Thursday (March 31) with an NCAA-leading time in the women's 400-meter hurdles, yet another top-15 time within the East Region, and two UF all-time outdoor top 10 marks.
 
The top highlight of the day came from Claudia Francis, who, in just the second 400-meter hurdles race of her collegiate career, clocked an NCAA-leading time of 56.43 seconds to win an open race littered with professional runners. Francis' time also moved her up to No. 2 on the program's all-time top 10.
 
The other UF all-time top 10 mark came from redshirt freshman AJ McFarland in the hammer throw. After setting a new personal record with his second attempt, McFarland's final toss of the day measured 61.59 meters, moving him into the No. 4 spot in program history. Four of the DeLand, Fla. native's six throws were 60-plus meters.
 
Earlier in the day, freshman sprinter Michael Timpson Jr. logged a wind-aided 200 meters time of 20.97 seconds. His time is tied for 12th overall within the East Region.