Sandi Morris made sure she had a happy 24th birthday Friday at Hayward Field.
The former Arkansas NCAA champion pole vaulter cleared 14-5 1/2 on her second attempt at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore., to advance to Sunday’s final.
It was the first time for Morris to vault in a meet in seven weeks, since she fractured a bone in her left wrist May 20 in the Czech Republic when her pole broke.
Weather added to her degree of difficulty Friday as Morris vaulted in a light rain while running into a headwind.
“It wasn’t the easiest day to qualify,” said Arkansas field events assistant Bryan Compton, who continues to coach Morris.