Thompson Bloomfield sweep athlete of the week honors

FAYETTEVILLE – Seniors Tiavannia Thompson and Carly Bloomfield made history on Tuesday when they became the first University of Arkansas Lady Razorback track athletes to sweep the Southeastern Conference Athlete of the Week awards.

Thompson was awarded runner of the week distinction after setting the Bahamian national record in the 100-meter hurdles while Bloomfield’s javelin throw of 154 feet, two inches was the fourth best in Arkansas history leading to her field athlete of the week honor. Thompson and Bloomfield become the first Lady Razorbacks to ever sweep the athlete of the week awards since the conference separated the two honors in 2004.

“This is great news,” Arkansas head coach Lance Harter said. “Both are very deserving and this just gives us more momentum heading into the SEC Championships this weekend. To break a national record is an amazing task and couldn’t have gone to a better person. As for the javelin, Carly has been there all season long and I expect she’ll get even better as we move to the SEC and NCAA Championships.”

For Thompson, the athlete of the week honor is the second of her career after she earned the same honor indoors. She is the first Lady Razorback since Olympic gold medalist Veronica Campbell in 2004 to be recognized by the SEC both indoors and out. Her time of 13.26 seconds in the hurdles ranks 16th in the nation and is among the conference leaders heading into the SEC Championships.

Bloomfield’s field athlete award is the second by a Lady Razorback this spring and the first of her career. She follows in the footsteps of redshirt freshman Katie Stripling who was honored just last week for her victory at the Penn Relays in the pole vault.

The Lady Razorbacks begin competition at the SEC Championships with the heptathlon on Thursday, May 10. For more information about Lady Razorback track or about Arkansas women’s athletics, please go to www.ladybacks.com.