Gold for Vashti Thomas

After helping her teammates win indoor and outdoor national championships in track and field, Academy of Art University artist-athlete Vashti Thomas has captured a gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2013 World University Games (WUG). Thomas set both a WUG record and an NCAA Division II record in the process.

Thomas, a BFA candidate in the Academy’s School of Illustration, ran a wind-legal 12.61 in the finals to earn gold for Team USA. She bested Belarus’ Alina Talay (12.78) and Jamaica’s Danielle Williams (12.84).

“My mindset was just to stay focused and execute my race,” Thomas said after her win.

“What a moment! It’s amazing how in this sport so many things can change in just 12 seconds,” said Academy Track & Field Coach Charles Ryan. “One of the best things about Vashti is that she is well aware of what her success represents. When she crossed the line as the WUG champion and new record holder, it was the ‘Circle A’ [hand sign, denoting the Academy’s symbol] that she flashed for the camera. She continues to represent us all and the work we’re doing here so well.”