EUGENE, Ore. – Stanford senior Ky Robinson completed his collegiate career by placing third in a close finish in the 5,000-meter final at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Friday at Hayward Field.
Robinson, the 5,000 and 10,000 winner in 2023, focused on the 5,000 this year to ease his workload during a year in which he is vying for a berth on the Australian Olympic team.
Robinson was within reach of the lead in the final 200, but North Carolina’s Parker Wolfe maintained his advantage to the finish, and Northern Arizona’s Nico Young was able to outsprint Robinson for second.
Robinson was timed in 13:55.00, just 0.57 off Wolfe’s winning 13:54.43, and finished his collegiate career as a 13-time All-American, including nine track and field first-team honors.
The race was tactical, with no dropouts from the lead pack until the final laps. Robinson was part of a five-person pack that broke away with 600 to go. On the final lap, Young bolted into the lead on the backstretch.
Wolfe went with Young. And Robinson, who was slightly boxed in at the bell, was third with 200 to go. With Wolfe taking the lead, Robinson tried to make a move that ultimately was unsuccessful. However, Robinson earned his sixth top-three finish, including cross country, and indoor and outdoor track and field.
Stanford extended its streak of consecutive seasons with an NCAA men’s outdoor 5,000 finalist to 15.
The meet concludes Saturday with women’s finals, with four Cardinal competing. Sophomores Juliette Whittaker and Roisin Willis are in the 800 final, and freshmen Amy Bunnage and Sophie Kennedy are in the 5,000 final.
* * *
NCAA Championships
At Hayward Field
Friday’s results
Men
Final team scores – 1, Florida 41; 2, Auburn 40; 3, USC 33; 4, Alabama 32; 5, Texas A&M 31; 42, Stanford 6.
5,000 final – 1, Parker Wolfe (North Carolina) 13:54.43; 3, Ky Robinson (Stanford) 13:55.00.
Stanford’s Saturday Schedule
3:44 p.m.: Women’s 800 final – Juliette Whittaker, Roisin Willis.
4:25 p.m.: Women’s 5,000 final – Amy Bunnage, Sophia Kennedy.