Sheila Hudson, California: Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame, Class of 2023

Sheila Hudson is known for her remarkable jumping abilities. Over the course of her college career, Hudson earned six national collegiate titles, including a historic “double-double” at the NCAA Division I Championships where she became the first woman to sweep the horizontal jumps in both indoor and outdoor events. 

Hudson’s success on the national stage was marked by her record-breaking performances and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. In the 1987 NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships triple jump, she held the lead through five attempts before being overtaken by Pac-10 rival Yvette Bates. Hudson responded with an incredible jump of 13.78m (45-2½), setting a world record and clinching victory. 

The following year, Hudson once again found herself trailing at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. However, she came back to win with an all-conditions world best of 13.92w (45-8w), showcasing her determination and resilience.

After taking a year off, Hudson continued to excel, this time indoors. In 1990, she won the NCAA Indoor Championships long jump by nearly a foot and then went on to set a world indoor best in the triple jump with a jump of 13.94m (45-9) on her final attempt.

Hudson completed her historic double-double by winning the NCAA long jump with a personal record of 6.73m (22-1) before claiming the triple jump title and extending her own collegiate and American record to 14.04m (46-¾). Overall, Hudson’s remarkable performances and consistency at the highest level of competition have cemented her as one of the greatest jumpers in college track and field history.