Florida State's Trey Cunningham captures national championship in 60-meter hurdles

Carter Karels, Tallahassee Democrat
·2 min read

It was a long time coming for Florida State hurdler Trey Cunningham.

The fifth-year senior captured his first national title by clocking a personal-best 7.38 in the 60-meter hurdles at the NCAA Indoor Championships in the Birmingham (Ala.) CrossPlex on Saturday.

Cunningham’s 7.38 topped his previous high of 7.40 and only trails Grant Holloway’s 7.35 among 60-meter hurdle times in NCAA history.

Cunningham also became the first Seminole individual indoor national champion since 2014. And he claimed the title approximately one hour from his childhood home in Winfield, Alabama.

"I am happy to be back on the home turf," said Cunningham told letsrun.com following the race. "I grew up an hour from here, it feels like home, I have the family here. (I) got the job done, that’s all that matters."

Florida State's Trey Cunningham smiles while holding his 60-meter hurdle national championship trophy.
Florida State's Trey Cunningham smiles while holding his 60-meter hurdle national championship trophy.

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Winning a national championship figured to be the only feat left for Cunningham to accomplish in his decorated Seminole career. His pursuit came with a few challenges. Cunningham battled a hamstring injury in 2019 and 2021 that tarnished his chances, and the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the 2020 indoor and outdoor track and field seasons.

"I'm so happy for Trey to finally win that NCAA title," FSU head coach Bob Braman said in a statement. "Until today, he was probably the greatest collegiate track athlete ever to not win a national title. He's No. 2 all-time indoors, and he has a chance to be the best every outdoors."

With the upcoming outdoor track and field season starting next week, Cunningham will have an opportunity to build off this title win before he turns professional.

To read our comprehensive story from earlier this week that explored Cunningham's path and future, click here.

Reach Carter Karels at ckarels@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @CarterKarels.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU track and field senior claims NCAA championship in 60-meter hurdles