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Vashti Cunningham becomes youngest U.S. track and field Olympian in 36 years

EUGENE, Ore. — Vashti Cunningham clinched a Rio Olympic berth in the high jump on Sunday and, at age 18, became the youngest U.S. Olympian in the sport since 1980.

Cunningham, the daughter of retired NFL All-Pro quarterback Randall Cunningham, clinched a top-three spot at Hayward Field in her nationals debut.

She will be joined on the U.S. Olympic women’s high jump team by Chaunté Lowe and Inika McPherson.

On March 20, Cunningham won the world indoor title in nearby Portland, clearing 1.96 meters to beat a field largely lacking top Olympic medal contenders.