In track and field, athletes often specialize, focusing on perfecting a single discipline to reach the pinnacle of success. But Rachel Glenn is rewriting the rules. She’s not only excelling in two of the most demanding events—the high jump and the 400m hurdles—she’s redefining what’s possible in both.

Glenn’s journey began at Woodrow Wilson Classical High School, where she first made her mark as a 400-meter runner. But in 2018, she made a pivotal switch to high jump, and everything changed. By her freshman year of college in 2021, she had already claimed the NCAA Outdoor High Jump title. This early triumph was just the beginning of what would set the benchmark for what has been and continues to be a standout career. Next up, in 2022, Glenn won a silver medal at the NACAC Championships in Freeport, Bahamas, with a jump of 1.84m. That same year, she competed at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, gaining valuable international experience.

Glenn jumps over the high jump bar at the 2022 World Championships

Despite facing challenges, including a knee injury in 2023, Glenn continued to defy expectations. In 2024, she claimed the NCAA Indoor High Jump title with a personal best of 2.00m, solidifying her place among the top high jumpers in U.S. history. This achievement not only earned her the title but also set a championship record and pushed her to third on the US all-time list for high jump.

What truly sets Glenn apart is her ability to master two vastly different events. The high jump requires precision, patience, and explosive power, while the 400m hurdles demands endurance, speed, and rhythm. Few athletes attempt both, and even fewer succeed. At the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Championships, she placed third in the 400m hurdles with a time of 53.80 seconds and finished 13th in the high jump with a leap of 1.82m. Not long after, she soared to 1.94m to win silver at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, earning her spot on Team USA for Paris. She also placed fifth in the highly competitive 400m hurdles field with a time of 53.46 seconds.

Glenn runs over a hurdle at the NCAA Championships

Flash-forward to this year, with the 2025 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships soon approaching, Glenn is ranked No.1 in the NCAA with a jump of 1.98m, the only woman in the nation to have hit that mark this season. 

Glenn is more than just an athlete—she’s an inspiration. Her journey embodies everything TrackGirlz stands for, embracing one’s unique talents and boldly pursuing one’s dreams. TrackGirlz are courageous. TrackGirlz are bold. TrackGirlz are leaders. TrackGirlz are world-class women.

Glenn ponders on the high jump run way prior to taking her jump