English Gardner:
Youngest of the top five ranked female athletes, Gardner has posted the second fastest time this year, running 10.79s in the semi-final at the US Championship. If she replicates such time in Beijing, it could be enough to get her on the podium.
In May, she did a PB of 10.84s, winning the B race in Prefontaine, pipping the then favourite, Elaine Thompson to victory. She launched herself right into contention, and it was not surprising that she made the US team by virtue of her second place finish at the trials.
At 23 and running this fast, Gardner still has age on her side and could go on to become America’s replacement of former World Champion, Carmelita Jeter. Which better way to make the world take notice than this World Championships?
Gardner trains with the duo of Jeter and Okagbare, and has garnered experience since breaking onto the scene after winning five NCAA titles. Underrate her and she will be gone before you know it.
Having missed out from a podium finish two years ago, placing 4th in the 100m final, Gardner will be pushing herself to be within the medals, this time around not just in the 4x100m where she won Silver, but also individually.
