Kansas’ Michael Stigler wins national title in 400 meter hurdles
Redemption took 48.84 seconds.
Kansas senior Michael Stigler closed out his decorated college career with a national championship on Friday, cruising to a victory in the 400 meter hurdles at the NCAA outdoor track and field championships in Eugene, Ore. Stigler, a four-time Big 12 champion and an Olympic hopeful in 2016, had finished runner-up in the event the prior two years.
“I just knew it wasn’t going to be given to me,” Stigler said in a post-race interview. “So I just had to go out, give it all I had, every step of the way. Regardless of what the wind was, I just knew I had to go.”
Stigler was the presumptive favorite, owning the fourth-fastest time in the world this year. He shook off a strong wind and ran past the field in the first two curves, leaving runner-up Jordin Andrade of Boise State a safe distance behind. Andrade finished in 49.24.
For Stigler — who claimed the 36th individual NCAA track and field title in Kansas history — the victory capped one of the best individual careers in school history. There were All-American honors, Big 12 titles and a host of other awards. In the midst of a sensational senior campaign, Stigler was selected Midwest Track Athlete of the Year for the second straight season.
It set the stage for Friday, and a chance for a perfect ending at historic Hayward Field. In the months leading up to the NCAA finals, Stigler chased a national championship in the same manner he attacked the final 100 meters of his event. For most of the outdoor season, he was simply unbeatable.
“I definitely feel that I have unfinished business,” Stigler said earlier this spring.
But after qualifying for Friday’s final, Stigler needed to relax. He gave himself a few mental cues, words he would repeat in his head.
Stay with yourself. Don’t let the field get to you.
In the moments after the race, Stigler appeared calm and cool, hiding the emotions for just a second. He crossed the finish line, cracked a smile, and put his arms together in a praying motion.
“Just to finally get it done, coming runner-up two years in a row,” Stigler said after the race, “I really can’t put it into words right now.”
Stigler’s focus will now turn to this summer’s World Championships, which begin August 22 in Beijing, and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. After finally conquering the NCAA championships, Stigler is likely just getting started.
“I definitely feel like I’m close (to the Olympics),” Stigler said earlier this spring. “I can taste it. I just got to keep working.”
This story was originally published June 12, 2015 at 9:31 PM with the headline "Kansas’ Michael Stigler wins national title in 400 meter hurdles."