Brannigan Wins Two Para Titles
The 2026 USATF Outdoor & Para National Championships concluded Sunday (26-July) at Icahn Stadium in New York City, marking the 150th edition of the championships and their first return to New York City since 1991. Competing on home soil, athletes representing USATF New York delivered an impressive collection of national titles, podium finishes, and standout performances throughout the four-day championship.
Leading the way was Salif Mane, a Bronx native and current Bronx resident, who produced one of the most dramatic moments of the championships to capture the men's triple jump national title. Trailing Russell Robinson entering the sixth and final round, Mane uncorked a leap of 16.66 meters to draw even with Robinson's leading mark. With both athletes tied on distance, the championship was decided by the next-best jump, where Mane held the advantage to secure the national title before an energized hometown crowd.
USATF New York athletes combined to earn seven national championships, two runner-up finishes, and four third-place finishes across the Outdoor and Para National Championships.
Among the national champions, Chris Nilsen (Nike / New York AC) cleared 5.82m to win the men's pole vault, while Rudy Winkler (Nike / New York AC) claimed the men's hammer throw title with a throw of 77.05m.
The New York Athletic Club also swept both half marathon race walk national titles. Nick Christie won the men's championship in 1:31:57.11, while Lauren Harris captured the women's championship in 1:38:35.56.
In the Para National Championships, Michael Brannigan (New York AC) enjoyed another remarkable meet by winning both the T20 1,500m in 3:53.88 and the T20 5,000m in 14:47.26, earning a pair of national titles.
USATF New York athletes also earned two silver medals. Kyle Garland (Nike / New York AC) finished second in the decathlon with 8,431 points, while Cierra Jackson (New York AC) placed runner-up in the women's discus with a best throw of 67.40m.
Four additional podium finishes rounded out the championship weekend. Tara Davis-Woodhall earned bronze medals in both the 100m hurdles (12.57) and long jump (6.90m). Shelby McEwen (Nike / New York AC) finished third in the men's high jump after clearing 2.20m, while Marc Anthony Minichello (New York AC) earned bronze in the men's javelin with a throw of 75.98m.
Several additional USATF New York athletes posted top-10 performances, including Miranda Melville, who placed fourth in the half marathon race walk, Daniel Haugh (7th, hammer throw), Malachi Aiken (7th, triple jump), Eric Holt (10th, 1,500m), and Gabriele Cunningham (10th, 100m hurdles).