Courtesy of WKU Athletics
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Former WKU Track & Field thrower Jessica Ramsey set a new
Olympic Trials meet record late Thursday evening to win the women’s shot put event
and qualify for Team USA’s trip to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“What an exciting moment for everyone in the WKU Track family, past and present,”
said Director of Cross Country/Track & Field Brent Chumbley. “We wish Jessica the
best as she takes on the world as part of Team USA. Go Tops!”
Ramsey threw a personal best and meet record of 20.12 meters (60′ 0.25″) on her
fourth attempt in the shot put finals to win the event and qualify for the Olympics.
She was second heading into the final round after throwing a then-personal best of
18.82 meters in the qualifier.
The Boynton Beach, Florida native is a seven-time individual Sun Belt Champion,
closing out WKU’s time in the SBC. She won indoor and outdoor shot put in both 2013
and 2014, weight throw in 2014 as well as discus and hammer in 2014.
Ramsey was the Sun Belt Indoor T&F Outstanding Female Field Performer of the Meet in
2014 after claiming both throwing crowns. She earned the same honor for Outdoor in
2013 and 2014, having won discus, hammer and shot put in her final year. She was
also named the USTFCCCA Women’s Southeast Region Athlete of the Year in 2014.
In her senior year (2014), Ramsey became the first ever WKU Track & Field
student-athlete to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in at least three
individual events. Since then, only four others have joined her in that feat. She
was a First-Team All-American in shot put, Second-Team in hammer throw and Honorable
Mention in discus.
Ramsey holds numerous program records from her time on The Hill. She has the indoor
women’s records for shot put (54′ 0.5″) and weight throw (66′ 10″) as well as the
outdoor records for shot put (57′ 4.75″) and discus (176′ 8″), all set in 2014.
Ramsey currently serves as a volunteer assistant coach with the throws group for Ole
Miss Track & Field.
