Randall Cunningham’s Daughter Makes U.S. Olympic Team

With the 2016 Summer Olympics kicking off in Rio next month, athletes from around the country are in the process of qualifying for this year’s team. One athlete in particular has made history through her qualification, and she has ties to the Minnesota Vikings to boot.

Vashti Cunningham has qualified for the U.S. Track and Field team in the high jump. She is the daughter of former Vikings’ quarterback Randall Cunningham. At the age of 18, she will be the youngest track and field athlete to represent the USA in the Olympic Games since 1976.

Cunningham, the world indoor champion in the high jump, placed second at this week’s trials with a top effort of 1.97 meters. According to Mile Split USA, that effort is the third-highest leap in the world this outdoor track and field season. Her teammate, Chanute Lowe. . .a three-time Olympian and 14 years Cunningham’s senior. . .holds the highest mark this year, having cleared 2.01 meters at this weekend’s trials.

The 2016 Summer Olympics will get underway in Rio one month from tomorrow on 5 August.

Best of luck to Vashti Cunningham and the rest of the United States Olympic Team in Rio.