Iowa jumper earns national All-American status

Abby Mecklenburg made history at the state level in Iowa earlier this track and field season. On Saturday, she showcased her skills to the entire track and field nation.

Mecklenburg, who recently completed her junior season at Linn-Mar High School, placed third at the Nike Outdoor Nationals and USATF U20 event. The 17-year-old had a leap of 19-5.5, which put her behind Ava Kitchings and Kassidi Watkins.

The Nike Outdoor Nationals and USATF U20 event took place from Hayward Field at the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon over the past few days. The top track and field athletes from around the United States gathered to compete against one another.

All American!! Congrats to @AbbyMecklenburg 3rd place at USATF u20!! pic.twitter.com/lDuwpo2Zv2

— Jumper Athletics (@TJJumper1) June 21, 2025

Mecklenburg had her best jump on her first try, as she also went 18-10.5 on her second. He fouled on her next four attempts during the event.

Back in April during the Iowa high school track and field regular season, Mecklenburg became the first Iowa girl to clear 20 feet in the long jump. She went 20-3 on her second jump of the Dubuque Hempstead Invitational in Dubuque before going 20-8.25 to claim the title.

Her mark broke the previous best of 19-10.25 set in 2014 by Urbandale's Lexus Lovan.

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