Sakari Famous says she is happy to be competing pain-free again following her latest triumph in the women’s high jump at the recent Cowboy Relays Bob Hayes Louisiana Challenge.

The McNeese State University senior earned the gold medal after successfully clearing 1.60 metres in blustery conditions during the track and field meet hosted by her school at Bill and Lena Henning Track and Field Complex last Saturday.

“The weather was not too kind to us where all events were battling against the wind,” Famous told The Royal Gazette. “I was very lucky to win the event but it was a bit difficult jumping in a headwind.”

The 24-year-old’s career came to a screeching halt and hung in the balance after suffering a stress fracture to her back last year but she has since made a spectacular comeback with four victories, three during the indoor season, and broken her own national and school indoor records after clearing 1.81 metres at the McNeese State Indoor Meet in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The former Junior Female Athlete of the Year award winner, six-times Carifta Games champion and Commonwealth Youth Games bronze medal-winner’s impressive record-breaking display was the fifth-best mark in conference history and the 21st best in the United States this season.

“I’m glad to be able to jump pain-free again so I can continue to strive for my athletic goals,” she added.

Famous and her fellow team-mates had plenty to celebrate after claiming both the men’s and women’s overall titles in their first outdoor competition of the year in front of their home crowd.

“It was great to start outdoors at a home meet,” she said.

“I always enjoy a home crowd and seeing my team-mates strive for their best in front of their family members.”

McNeese State University women’s team racked up ten wins and their men’s team nine on the way to claiming top honours in their respective divisions.