NASHVILLE, Tenn. | One week after breaking the school mark at the Vulcan Invitational in the 3000 meters, Alabama A&M University women’s distance runner Laura Avila was back at it again on Friday, smashing another record, this time the 5000m at the Vanderbilt Invitational at the Vanderbilt Multipurpose Facility.
Avila placed sixth in the 5000m, crossing the line in 18:18.95, and breaking the mark by more than a minute. The previous record of 19:28.96 was previously held by Sanyae Gibson, set in 2025 at the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Indoor Track & Field Championships.
Gibson also placed 10th on Friday in the event, finishing with a time of 18:56.46…