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Teenager Cunningham steals the show at the world indoors

United States' Vashti Cunningham clears the bar during the women's high jump final during the World Indoor Athletics Championships on Sunday, March 20, 2016, in Portland, Ore. Cunningham won the event. (Elaine Thompson / Associated Press)
Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. – High school senior Vashti Cunningham, daughter of former NFL quarterback Randall Cunningham, became the youngest high jump champion ever at the world track and field championships on Sunday.

The gold-medal winning clearance of 6 feet, 5 inches is the latest honor in the stunning rise of the 18-year-old Cunningham, who set the American high school record in the event at the U.S. indoor championship last weekend.

Randall Cunningham, who is also his daughter’s coach, leapt to his feet when she was pronounced the winner – along with the rest of the crowd at the Portland Convention Center.

The United States finished the event with a record 23 medals, including 13 golds. Other American gold medalists on the final day of the championship included Matthew Centrowitz in the 1,500 meters and Marquis Dendy in the long jump.

The U.S. also won both the men’s and women’s 400-meter relay.