Track & Field: Appleton qualifies for NCAA 1500-Meter final on Saturday

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

Margot Appleton opened competition for the Virginia women’s track and field program at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships Thursday in Austin, as the ACC Champion booked her place in the NCAA final on Saturday.

Appleton entered a loaded heat of the 1500 meters as bringing the nation’s eighth-best time with her. After battling through a physical race early on, Appleton surged to the front of the pack with just over 200 meters to go. Appleton finished third to secure automatic qualification while running a blazing 4:09.83.

• Appleton reaches an NCAA Final for the second time in her career after placing fourth in the mile at the NCAA Indoor Championships
• A breakout season continues for Appleton after winning her first ACC title in the 1500 earlier this season
• Appleton has the opportunity to become the second-ever Cavalier to win an NCAA women’s title and the first to win the 1500-meter title
• The final will be contested Saturday at 8:12 p.m. Central Time (9:12 p.m. ET)

LET’S GO MARGOT!

A third-place finish clocking 4:09.83 has the ACC Champ headed to the NCAA final 🔥🔥🔥#GoHoos⚔️ pic.twitter.com/6fhfUKFtTx

— Virginia Track & Field and Cross Country (@UVATFCC) June 9, 2023

🎙️ Checking in with Margot Appleton after qualifying for the NCAA 1500m final #GoHoos⚔️ pic.twitter.com/DSSewioW71

— Virginia Track & Field and Cross Country (@UVATFCC) June 9, 2023

In the women’s 10,000 meters, Sophie Atkinson placed 18th, running a time of 34:51.58. The sophomore made her first appearance at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in her home state of Texas after qualifying at the NCAA East Regional with a personal-best as the 40th seed in the east region.

UP NEXT

The NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships continue Friday, as Nate Mountain (Steeple), Derek Johnson (Steeple), Conor Murphy (800m) and Owayne Owens (TJ) will all compete for a title, while Alix Still begins competition in the heptathlon.