Auburn national champions Ja’Kobe Tharp and Kayinsola Ajayi were named one of 10 semifinalists for the prestigious Bowerman Award, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association announced Thursday. The Bowerman Award is given annually to the nation’s top male and female track and field athlete.
Auburn is the only program with two semifinalists.
Tharp had a historic 2026, sweeping the SEC and NCAA indoor and outdoor hurdles titles, and breaking the 110m hurdles world record during the semifinals of the NCAA Championships two weeks ago. It was the first time in 50 years that a world record had been eclipsed at the outdoor national meet.
The national title was Tharp’s fourth consecutive, including wins as a sophomore indoors and outdoors. He equaled Harvey Glance’s four individual sprint titles five decades ago.
Ajayi also made history this year, winning the NCAA indoor 60m title and 100m outdoor championship. A native of Nigeria, Ajayi was named the SEC Indoor Male Athlete of the Year and also won the conference indoor title while breaking the collegiate record in the event.
The three finalists for the Bowerman Award will be announced on Tuesday, June 30.