Azusa: Ghanaian middle-distance runner, N Vanee Anchike, achieved a historic milestone at the Bryan Clay Invitational in Azusa, California, on April 17, 2026. The UTRGV junior, originally from Lambussie Naawie, Upper West Region, finished fourth in the women's 800-meter invitational race with a time of 2:03.00. This timing not only set a new program record but also marked her personal best, placing her among the top 10 times in the NCAA West.
According to Ghana Web, Anchike's performance was a significant leap forward, improving on her previous record of 2:08.74 set at the Charlie Thomas Invitational. This earlier record was the fastest in the Southland Conference at the time. Anchike's achievements extend beyond this event; she was named the SLC Women's Indoor Newcomer of the Year in March 2026, contributing to UTRGV's first indoor conference title.
Anchike's journey to these accomplishments began during her junior college years, where she set an NJCAA best in the 1000m with a time of 2:57.62. Competing globally under the Ghanaian flag, she is recognized as an emerging international prospect, ranking among the top 1,000 women in both the 800m and 1500m by World Athletics.
In Azusa, Anchike's UTRGV teammates also excelled. Lilliana Guerrero and Kailey Salazar posted personal bests of 2:07.41 and 2:07.92, respectively, in the same heat. Their performances were the second and third fastest times in UTRGV program history, contributing to the team's seven personal bests and five new entries into the outdoor program record books on Day 1 of the event.