User:Habst/Drafts/Amber Hughes

Amber Hughes (born 23 September 1994), is an American triple jumper and hurdler. She is a two-time national championship third-place finisher indoors in the hurdles, at the 2019 and 2023 championships.

Biography
Hughes was raised in Atlanta, Georgia where she attended Douglass High School. As a prep, she was a Georgia state champion in both the triple jump and 100 m hurdles.

In 2013, Hughes joined the Tennessee State Lady Tigers track and field team to compete in the NCAA. Until after her graduation in 2017, Hughes saw most of her success in the triple jump. She was a four-time NCAA finalist in that event, while she only qualified for one NCAA championship in the 100 m hurdles, in 2015 when she did not make the finals.

Hughes made her biggest performance jump in 2017, taking her 100 metres hurdles personal best from 13.12 to 12.74.

In 2019, Hughes secured her first national podium finish, at the 2019 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships where she finished 3rd in a time of 8.06 seconds.

Going into the 2020 Summer Olympics, Hughes was considered a contender to make the U.S. team, but her preparation was impacted by the one-year postponement of the games due to the COVID-19 virus. She competed at the delayed 2020 United States Olympic trials, but did not make the finals.

In 2021, Hughes started coaching for the Georgia State Panthers track and field program handling team operations.

In 2023, Hughes achieved her second national podium finish, placing third at the 2023 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships.