High Jumper Vashti Cunningham, Daughter of Retired Quarterback Randall Cunningham, Headed To Tokyo Olympics

Vashti Cunningham is someone to look out for in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which starts July 23.

The daughter of retired National Football League quarterback Randall Cunningham, Vashti is carrying on a legacy of excellence in sports just like her dad who played 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. With her high jumping showcased in May, she jumped her personal best of 6 feet 7 and a half inches at the Chula Vista Field Fest, USA Today reported.

It is no shocker that Cunningham qualified for the 2020 Olympics, having jumped at 6-5 to qualify, and she was the only one who managed to pull that jump off.

In the 2016 Olympics, when she was 18-years-old, she managed to finish in second place.

“The final was very exciting for me. I couldn’t stop thinking about it days leading up to it. I was so ready to be there,” Cunningham said. “I didn’t quite jump the height that I wanted to, but I was just happy to go through (and) to win my first trials title.”

Following her jump were Inika McPherson and Nicole Greene, with both women clearing a 6-4. However, McPherson is ahead of Greene because the former finished in her first attempt.

“This meet right here meant a lot to me. I really, really wanted the title in 2016, but I was young and just trying to navigate my way,” Cunningham said. “So, it really means a lot to me to come here today and get that title.”

With her father as her coach and Vashti gave her dear old dad family pictures of the two together.

“The feeling is just amazing. I was looking at pictures of us over the years. I sent them to him, and I was like, ‘Happy Father’s Day.’ I know that making him happy makes me feel so good. I was blessed to have my family here and my dad,” Cunningham said. “I’m happy it was on Father’s Day.”