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SALT LAKE CITY— After hundreds of leaps in her collegiate career, BYU senior Cierra Tidwell Allphin could be a few away from a berth in the Paris Olympics.
The six-time All-American high jumper advanced to the finals of the USA track and field Olympic trials Saturday night at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
Allphin cleared 1.78 meters (5-10) to tie for 11th in the preliminary round of the high jump to advance to Monday's finals, where she'll compete at 6:15 p.m. MDT.
"I am proud of Cierra for managing her emotions during the jump-off" BYU jumps coach Tiffany Hogan said of the senior from Mesa, Arizona. "She got the crowd involved and it paid off with a massive clearance at six feet."
Five leaps cleared 1.83 meters (6-0) on their initial attempts, led by former Auburn All-American high jumper Sanaa Barnes and Nike/Red Bull's Vashti Cunningham, the former world indoor champion, outdoor bronze medalist and daughter of former NFL quarterback Randall Cunningham.
BYU's Lucas Bons finished 14th in the men's 1,500-meter timed semifinals. His time of 3:38.40 was good for 14th overall, and .11 seconds from advancing to the Monday's finals for the first-team All-American.
Weber State assistant coach Na'Asha Robinson finished 18th in the women's 400-meter semifinals with a time of 51.65 seconds.
Day three of the U.S. Olympic trials continue Sunday, when BYU steeplechaser James Corrigan and steeplechase alum Kenneth Rooks will try to earn a spot on Team USA the 3,000-meter steeplechase final at 8 p.m. MDT.
Former Utah State star Chari Hawkins will also open the heptathlon Sunday, BYU's Meghan Hunter will compete in the 800-meter semifinals, and Cameron Bates is one of 12 finalists in the javelin throw.
