Charlton Sets World, NCAA Lead On Day One Of Tom Jones Memorial Invitational

The Florida track and field team opened strong on Day 1 of the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational. 

The Gators secured one victory and five top-five finishes across the board Friday at Percy Beard Track at James G. Pressly Stadium.

Anthaya Charlton stole the show for the Gators by setting the world and NCAA lead in the women’s long jump. The 6.82m effort also vaults her to No. 3 in program history. 

Charlton continues her succesful long jump campaign this calendar season. She was named USTFCCCA First-Team All American after finishing fourth at the NCAA Indoor Championships.

CHARLTON TAKES FLIGHT

6.82m [22′ 4.5″] Long Jump – New program No. 3, and 2025 NCAA LEAD!!!#GoGators pic.twitter.com/rB6ktKSg8W

— Gators Track and Field & Cross Country (@GatorsTF) April 18, 2025

Field Success 

Leikel Cabrera Gay and Evelyn Vanzwieten led the way in the javelin events. 

Gay improved his personal best for the third straight meet with his 77.84m effort. He now holds on to the NCAA No. 4 time of the year and the No. 5 spot in program history. 

On the women’s side, Vanzwieten set her own best with her 48.54m performance. She also secured the No. 9 spot in program. 

Top-10 performance for the freshman!

Evelyn Vanzwieten’s 48.54m [159′ 3″] personal best in the javelin lands her ninth in program history.#GoGators pic.twitter.com/KEFeq9tQgT

— Gators Track and Field & Cross Country (@GatorsTF) April 18, 2025

Gracelyn Leiseth wrapped up the night for the Gators on the field with a season best in the shot put. She finished in fifth place with a 17.42 effort. Leiseth improved on her performance from the Pepsi Florida Relays (17.04m) to secure her highest mark this season. 

On the Track

The Gators had 15 athletes compete in the 1500m events for the men’s and women’s team.

Three Gator women set personal bests in the event. Ashley Fitzgerald, Liina Winborn and Breanna Stuart each improved on their own personal performances. Fitzgerald (9th) and Winborn (10th) finished in the same hundredth of a second at 4:30.42 and 4:30.97. Stuart (13th) came in right behind at 4:34.70.

On the men’s side, Joe Wester placed fourth place at 3:43.45. Just over one second separated Wester and those ahead from the winner Martin Prodanov.

Up Next

Day 2 of the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational continues Saturday at 9 a.m. The meet is free to attend and will be broadcasted on SEC Network+.