Though Akela Jones had only competed in one heptathlon before stepping up and taking the event by storm at this year's NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships, she didn't let it stop her from achieving greatness.
Before becoming K-State's first women's NCAA title winner since 2011 and breaking numerous records in the event while snatching a handful of awards and accolades along the way, Jones had only ever competed in the heptathlon once.
Her first time tackling the seven-event monster was at the Jim Click Shootout in Tucson, Arizona, on April 8. She entered that first heptathlon with just one goal in mind: to qualify for the NCAA Championships - and she went on to meet that goal with flying colors.