The Idaho Vandals women’s track and field team began the 2026 Big Sky Outdoor Championship with a strong performance on May 13, as Hanna Tait set a new facility record and secured a significant lead after the first day of competition.
The event matters for the Vandals as it marks an important step in their pursuit of championship success, with athletes building momentum early in the multi-day meet.
Director of Track and Field Tracy Hellman said Wednesday afternoon, “It was a great start to the Big Sky championships with our women’s multi group. Hanna had a solid day and finished day 1 with a sizable lead. Belen had some good results, also representing the Vandals. What’s exciting is that both athletes have strong day two events, so it will be exciting to see them finish. Tomorrow is a brand new day and they have to bring their best and continue to compete and battle to the end.”
Tait opened her heptathlon campaign by running 14.04 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles, setting a Klapstein Stadium record. She followed up by placing fifth in high jump at 1.57 meters, third in shot put with an 11.28-meter throw, and capped off her day by winning the 200 meters in 24.92 seconds—more than two tenths ahead of her closest competitor.
Belén García Arias also competed for Idaho, finishing among the top ten in the day’s final event (the 200 meters) and currently stands fifteenth overall heading into Thursday’s events within reach of moving into scoring position.
The heptathlon resumes Thursday morning with long jump at 11:00 a.m., followed by javelin at 12:15 p.m., concluding after the 800 meters at approximately 1:45 p.m. Fans can watch coverage on ESPN+ or follow results via AthleticLive.
