Okoro Honored As Big 12 Athlete Of The Week

IRVING, Texas – Ese Okoro notched Iowa State track and field's first selection of the 2013-14 as Big 12 Athlete of the Week, earning the award after taking the title in the 400-meter hurdles at Arizona State's Baldy Castillo Invitational. The league offices announced the selections this afternoon.

Okoro clocked the fastest time in the nation in the event last weekend, breaking the tape in 57.77 seconds. The Birmingham, U.K., native crossed the line more than 2 seconds ahead of the next finisher. The Cyclone senior was just off of her personal best of 57.43.

Okoro's 57.77-second performance leads the NCAA and is currently the sixth-fastest time in the world. She also holds the fastest time run by a British athlete in the 2014 outdoor season.

Okoro shared the award with Oklahoma's Liz Herrs and Texas Tech's Le'Tristan Pledger. The Big 12 Athlete of the Week is given to the top performer in the conference each week. Baylor's Trayvon Bromell earned the recognition from the men's side.