Wichita Falls Rider and University of Arkansas grad Taliyah Brooks is potentially headed to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in the Heptathlon. She placed third overall to qualify by scoring 6,408 points.
Anna Hall and Charli Hawkins were the first two placers and joined Brooks on the podium. However, out of the three, only Hall has met the Olympic standard. For Hawkins and Brooks to join Team USA in the multi-events, they'll have to rely on their world rankings to officially earn their olympian status, which will be confirmed on July 2, 2024.
The competition was a bit of an up-and-down ride for Brooks. At one point in the competition on day two, she had a short and brief lead in the competition.
A good sign for Brooks' performances is that she had personal best days in the events she isn't as strong in (shot put, javelin, and 800m). Unfortunately, she wasn't able to rely on some of her stronger events, especially the 100-meter hurdles. She placed third at the 2012 UIL state meet in the 100H, but was only able to run 13.30 for the fifth best performance in the competition.
A strong finish in the 800m (2:13.39) allowed her to hold on to the third place qualifying position.