Ruddock twists knee, awaits MRI results
TEXAS A&M University, College Station, are ruing the absence of injured star sprint-hurdler Natasha Ruddock who will not take part in next week’s NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
“Ruddock twisted her left knee during warm-ups in Austin prior to her first race last Friday. An MRI was taken on Tuesday, and we are waiting to hear back if she injured ligaments, cartilage, or meniscus,” said athletic assistant Shawn Price.
“Her absence will be felt, as she was likely to contend for a top three finish in the 100 hurdles. Her main concern when she was injured during her warm-up was the potential points she would have scored at the NCAA Championships for the team.
“Natasha is always supportive of her teammates and shares in their joy when they win, set a personal best, or have a good meet,” Price pointed out.
“Ruddock had enjoyed a injury-free season until last week,” said the athletic assistant. “Training at Texas A&M during the fall season built up a solid base for Ruddock and she managed to have a steady progression of marks during the indoor and outdoor seasons,” explained Price.
Majoring in communications and journalism, Ruddock clocked personal bests in the 60m hurdles, 100m hurdles and 100 metres this season.
“She established PRs of 8.06 in the 60H, 11.71 in the 100m, and 12.87 in the 100mH this season,” added Price.
He noted that indoors Ruddock set Texas A&M school record in the 60m hurdles at 8.15 and then lowered it to 8.06; while outdoors the 20-year-old Jamaican, a World Youth Championship silver medallist, is currently number three on the Texas A&M all-time list with the 12.87. She only trails Anjanette Kirkland, 12.74 and current teammate Gabby Mayo, 12.81.
Texas A&M head coach Pat Henry believes Ruddock “has tremendous talent and has shown the ability to progress to faster times in the hurdles”.
“Natasha ran under 13 seconds in three finals this outdoor season in big races — Texas Relays (12.87), Penn Relays (12.87), and Big 12 Championships (12.89). She is the type of athlete who is determined to succeed on the next level following her collegiate career,” he explained.
The NCAA Championships, which Ruddock will miss, will take place on June 9-12 at Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon.
