Save Vashti Cunningham rocks gently back and forth, a hand resting on each hip forming her arms into perfect triangles. As the announcer at last month’s USA Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, reads her accomplishments – world leader, 2016 indoor champion and representing her nation in Rio that same year plus a favourite for Tokyo this summer – Cunningham squints into the sun. A beam of light captures the gems applied beneath the heavy kohl rimming her eyes, causing them to sparkle. Standing next to her is Amina Smith, a former ACC champion and current assistant jumping coach at Maryland, who bows in praise. She claps enthusiastically for her competitor, right along with the cheering crowd. Cunningham catches a glimpse of Smith’s gesture and she smiles. Appreciative to have earned the respect of a longtime competitor, sure, but fully aware of the work to be done.