Joella Lloyd and Carey McLeod shone brightly for the University at Tennessee at the SEC Championships at the Randal Tyson Indoor Track Centre in Arkansas on the weekend.

Lloyd, an 18-year-old sprinter from Antigua, a sophomore, created a bit of school history while setting a personal best 7.15 to win the 60m dash in what was her first final and first medal at the indoor championships. Meanwhile, McLeod, 21, a junior, set a personal best and collegiate-leading 17.17m to win triple-jump gold.

Lloyd, who lowered her personal best twice leading up to the start of the championships last Thursday, lowered her time even further while winning the 60m dash on Saturday. The Antiguan powered through the field to snatch victory over Jayda Baylark of Arkansas, who also set a personal best time of 7.18.

Semira Killebrew of Florida was third in 7.21, also a season-best performance.

It is understandable that she was quite elated.

“It feels great to be an SEC 60m champion and a Vol right now,” said Lloyd, whose time was also a new national record.

“Throughout the season, I’ve been improving on my technique and reaction to the gun and there’s still more work to be done.”

Going into the final, her focus was on lowering her personal best of 7.20 set at the Tiger Claw Invitational in mid-February and which was Antigua’s previous national record.

“I didn’t have a specific time in mind to run for the 60 but my goals were to lower my PB and establish a new school record,” she said, explaining that the win was a singular one that will give her confidence for the remainder of the season.

“This win was special because I didn’t make it to the finals last year and I made it this time setting history as the First Lady Vol to win the 60m at the SECs. I’m confident that I will finish the indoor season strong at NCAA championships and make the Olympic standard this outdoor season.”

Meanwhile, McLeod, who won the silver medal in the long jump with a personal best of 8.25m on Friday night, followed up Saturday with his personal best jump to win the triple jump.

His 17.17m, was more than a half-metre better than second-place Christian Edwards of Alabama (16.64m) and Sean Dixon-Bodie of LSU 16.45m.