The Southeastern Conference announced on April 28 that Tennessee junior pole vaulter Ismaila Sawaneh has been named SEC Men’s Field Athlete of the Week. Sawaneh achieved this recognition after clearing an outdoor personal-best height of 5.72 meters (18-9.25) at the Tiger Track Classic, where he finished first in his event.
Sawaneh’s mark currently leads the conference and ranks third nationally for the 2026 outdoor season. It also places him No. 31 in collegiate history and third on Tennessee’s all-time list for men’s pole vault performances.
Originally from Normandy, France, Sawaneh is in his debut season with Tennessee and has already won the SEC indoor title as well as First Team All-America honors during the indoor campaign.
This is Sawaneh’s first time receiving the SEC Men’s Field Athlete of the Week award and marks Tennessee’s third honor in this category for 2026. Cade Gray previously earned this distinction twice during the indoor season, while Cedricka Williams and Hannah Grace have received weekly honors on the women’s side.
Looking ahead, Tennessee athletes continue to earn recognition within conference competition as they prepare for upcoming meets.
