Deborah Acquah makes history

Deborah Acquah has become the best indoor triple jumper in the country after shattering Nadia Eke’s record of 13.60 metres.

The Texas A&E jumper broke the national record with a leap of 13.77m at the Charlie Thomas Invitational, Saturday at Gilliam Indoor Stadium in the United States.

Speaking after the competition, Acquah said setting a new national record was not on her mind prior to the competition.

She was however excited to have made history with her first indoor competition in more than two years.

“I wasn’t really expecting the record after the first jump because there are so many moving parts in triple jump that I thought I was not going to be able to put together since I haven’t jumped in almost three years. I was also scared because of my injury because it even hurt sometimes when I jump so I felt like I have taken a risk in messing up my injury. It was after my jump that I realized I could do it”, she said.
Acquah did not only break the national record but also came top in the women’s division of the competition.

Her performance earned her praise from the head coach of Texas A&E University.

“She [Deborah Acquah] had a big-time jump,” said head coach Pat Henry. “Especially, since it’s this early in the season to have that kind of jump. She’s a talented young lady, and she works hard. She really only took two jumps today. We’re just trying to stay healthy right now, and that’s the key for us.”