Ole Miss Track & Field’s Robinson-O’Hagan, Odeluga Out for Season Due to Injuries

Ole Miss track and field announced that All-American throwers Tarik Robinson-O’Hagan and Akaoma Odeluga will sit out the rest of the 2026 season due to injuries. The injuries occurred during separate incidents since last Saturday, according to a university statement.

Odeluga, the SEC champion in the shot put and third-place finisher in the hammer throw, injured her foot during the discus event at the outdoor conference meet. Robinson-O’Hagan suffered a significant leg injury during his first practice since the SEC Championships, the university added.

Robinson-O’Hagan, a native of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, leaves Ole Miss as one of the most accomplished athletes in SEC history. He holds four national titles, 14 All-America awards, 13 SEC titles, and five SEC Field Athlete of the Year awards. He also set the NCAA record in combined outdoor shot and hammer throw with 98.50 meters.

Odeluga, a junior from Munster, Indiana, was having her best season, finishing as NCAA runner-up in the indoor shot put and placing fourth in the weight throw. Outdoors, she earned her first SEC title in the shot put and was among national scoring leaders in both events. She will have her senior season in 2027 to compete.

Ole Miss coaches expressed disappointment over the injuries. Head coach Connie Price-Smith said the season will be different without the two athletes but praised their contributions. Assistant coaches Dempsey McGuigan and John Smith also commended their talent and resilience, emphasizing their potential for future success, including Olympic prospects for Robinson-O’Hagan.

The team is awaiting NCAA East Regional declaration lists, scheduled for May 27-30 at the University of Kentucky, before the postseason begins. The Rebels aim to make a strong run at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in June.

Source: Original Article