Vashti Cunningham, the 18-year-old daughter of former NFL quarterback Randall Cunningham, has won the world indoor high jump championship.
With her dad in the stands, Cunningham jumped 6 feet, 5 inches, to take the title. She is the youngest woman this century to win a world indoor track and field championship in any event.
A high school senior, Cunningham announced afterward that she has decided to turn professional and will not compete in NCAA track and field. Her summer goals are graduating from high school and then winning an Olympic gold medal in Rio.
Once among the biggest stars in the NFL, Randall Cunningham has urged his daughter to take her time and enjoy herself before becoming a pro athlete.
“I don’t believe you should peak in high school,” Randall told the Las Vegas Sun, before adding, “She’s the one that has to make that decision.”
Randall Cunningham is one of the greatest athletes ever to play quarterback, a player who was ahead of his time and reshaped the way people view the quarterback position. And Vashti may prove to be an even greater athlete than her dad.