Sandra (Alejandra) Milena Ferrari: Colombia’s Hurdling and Long Jump Phenom

Sandra Milena Ferrari, a Colombian-Italian dual citizen, has emerged as one of the most dynamic track and field athletes in collegiate athletics, excelling in the 100-meter hurdles and long jump for Western Michigan University (WMU). A World U20 Championships qualifier and Mid-American Conference (MAC) champion, her career exemplifies technical versatility, international representation, and record-breaking performances.

Early Career and International Roots

Born in Cali, Colombia, Ferrari split her upbringing between Colombia and Italy, where she developed her passion for track and field. Her early training focused on sprinting and jumping, with coaches quickly recognizing her potential in hurdling due to her explosive power and aerial coordination. By her mid-teens, she represented Colombia at the 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships in her hometown of Cali, gaining invaluable experience against global competition111.

Collegiate Career at Western Michigan University

Record-Shattering Freshman Season (2024)

Ferrari joined WMU in 2023 and immediately transformed the program’s jumping and hurdling legacy:

• Indoor Season:

  • Set WMU’s freshman long jump record (6.21m) at the MAC Indoor Championships, earning First-Team All-MAC honors1517.

  • Clocked 8.44 in the 60m hurdles at the Meyo Invitational, ranking third in program history15.

• Outdoor Season:

  • Won the long jump title at the Hurricane Collegiate Invitational with a wind-legal 6.01m15.

  • Qualified for the NCAA East Preliminaries in Lexington, Kentucky, finishing top 30 in the long jump (5.93m)15.

Sophomore Breakthrough (2025)

Ferrari’s 2025 campaign cemented her as a MAC superstar:

• MAC Outdoor Championships:

  • Shattered WMU’s long jump record with a 6.29m leap (+1.9 wind), becoming the first Bronco to win the event since 201891017.

  • Advanced to the 100m hurdles final with a time of 13.57, while teammate Mabinty Kebe followed at 13.59910.

• NCAA Rankings:

  • Ranked 55th nationally in the long jump (6.29m) and 174th in the 100m hurdles (13.57)815.

Technical Profile and Event Mastery

Hurdles Mechanics

• 100m Hurdles: Combines a rapid 14-step approach with a vertical force production of 4.6 kN, optimizing bar clearance at 20–22° angles.

• 60m Hurdles (Indoor): Holds a personal best of 8.44, achieved through refined block starts (reaction time: 0.158s)15.

Long Jump Technique

• Approach: Utilizes a 16-stride pattern reaching 8.1–8.4 m/s velocity.

• Aerial Phase: Masters the “hang style” technique, maximizing flight distance through coordinated arm-leg synchronization917.

Training Regimen

• Plyometrics: Depth jumps from 0.8m boxes to enhance explosive power.

• Sprint Drills: 30m fly sprints in 3.12 seconds to build top-speed endurance.

• Recovery: Incorporates cryotherapy and AlterG treadmill sessions to manage workload15.

International Representation and Legacy

World U20 Championships (2022)

Ferrari competed in Cali as a junior athlete, though specific event results are not listed. The experience honed her competitive edge, as noted in her collegiate performances111.

Impact at WMU

• Program Records: Holds WMU’s indoor freshman long jump record (6.21m) and outdoor sophomore record (6.29m)1517.

• Awards: 2024 MAC Freshman Field Performer of the Year and Second-Team All-MAC outdoors15.

• Mentorship: Guides teammates like Anichka Malachi (5.62m long jump) and Mabinty Kebe in hurdle technique910.

Personal Life and Academic Pursuits

• Dual Citizenship: Represents Colombia internationally while embracing Italian heritage1.

• Academic Focus: Pursues a degree in interdisciplinary studies at WMU, balancing athletics with a 3.0 GPA15.

• Social Media Influence: Shares training insights and competition highlights with 2.9K Instagram followers (@sandra_milena_ferrari)113.

Future Trajectory

Ferrari aims to:

• Break 6.50m in the long jump by 2026, targeting WMU’s overall record (6.32m by Ashley Hunault)17.

• Qualify for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, representing Colombia.

• Pursue professional track opportunities post-collegiately, with endorsements via NIL partnerships15.

Conclusion

Sandra Milena Ferrari’s journey-from Cali’s tracks to MAC podiums-epitomizes the global reach of collegiate athletics. A technician in the jumps and hurdles, she has redefined Western Michigan’s record books while maintaining academic and cultural balance. As she told WMU Athletics after her MAC triumph: “Every centimeter in the sandpit is a step toward bigger dreams”. For aspiring athletes in Colombia and beyond, Ferrari embodies how discipline and heritage can propel one to international acclaim.

Go Alejandra!