Editor’s note: This story is the first in a series ahead of the USATF Indoor National Championships.
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Competing at the professional level since 2016, high jumper Vashti Cunningham has certainly achieved success every time she has competed at Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex on Staten Island.
“I love competing at the Ocean Breeze indoor stadium,” said Cunningham, who will be contend alongside and against many of the nation’s best track & field athletes at this weekend’s USATF Indoor National Championships.
“Overall the facility is beautiful and away from the chaos and madness of the city, and that’s a positive when it comes to my focus.”
Cunningham’s focus has definitely paid off, as the 2016 World Indoor champion and three-time Olympian has now won national indoor titles at the local facility twice — in 2019 and last year in 2025 — adding to her seven other indoor titles and and seven outdoor national titles.
“I love any opportunity I get to come to New York, and I’m really interested in learning more about Staten Island,” said Cunningham, who is coached by her father, the legendary NFL Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Randall Cunningham.
Cunningham offers nothing but praise for her four-time Pro Bowler and 1998 NFL MVP father, noting she enjoys their unique father-daughter/coach-athlete relationship.
“My father is still coaching me with his best effort,” said Cunningham. “He truly goes above and beyond as a father, and it’s hard to me imagine ever doing it without him.
“We are a team for life.”
NFL Legend Randall Cunningham (L) poses with SILIVE writer Jeff Benjamin and daughter Vashti Cunningham at the 2019 USATF Indoor Championships which were held at Ocean Breeze.Staten Island Running Association
Cunningham is always pushing her physical and mental abilities, crediting her new training methods and religious convictions.
“I am really happy with the changes made in training with new exercises,” said Cunningham. “I prayed and asked the Lord in the beginning to help me show up everyday with a positive mindset, and a willing heart, And I have watched Him answer my prayers. … It is not of my own strength.”
Olympic Gold medalists, world record holders – all America’s best – will be competing next week here on Staten Island at the 2026 USATF Indoor National Championships, which will also be broadcasted on NBC.Staten Island Running AssociationHow and where to watch
The 2026 USATF Indoor Championships will take place from Feb. 28 to March 1, 2026, at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex on Staten Island. The meet will be available across both streaming and broadcast television.
Streaming (USATF.TV): Live coverage for both days. Saturday’s window is from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, and Sunday starts at 11:30 a.m. EST.Broadcast TV (NBC & Peacock): Live television coverage on Sunday, March 1, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. EST.
Top finishers at the USATF Indoor Championships are considered for selection to the World Indoor Championships, which will be held in Torun, Poland, beginning on March 20
To purchase tickets, visit freshtix.com and search keywords “2026 USATF Indoor Track and Field Championships – Saturday.”
All proceeds go to the benefit of the Ocean Breeze Park Alliance.
The Staten Island Running Association is sponsoring complimentary meet event tickets for both Saturday and Sunday for local youth to attend. Contact Jeff Benjamin at 917-692-8922 for more info.