Jamaica struck its first GOLD medal at the ongoing IAAF World Junior Champions courtesy of Tiffany James who maintained her unbeaten run at the championship to take the women’s 400m title in a Personal Best (PB) and World U-20 Lead of 51.32s.
The 19-year old had lowered her PB to a time of 51.77s in the semis the day before, but had to dig deep in the final after being pushed by USA’s Lynna Irby who took Silver in a PB of 51.39s, with James’ compatriot, Junelle Bromfield winning Bronze in 52.05s.
Australia’s Jessica Thornton may have finished outside of the podium. Nevertheless she will be consoled by her new PB of 52.05s, while Kenya’s Maureen Nyatichi Thomas set a National U-20 Record of 52.09s to place 5th. Roxana Gómez was 6th with a lifetime best of 52.24s.
Jamaica is sure to pose a formidable threat in the 4x400m with the likes of James and Bromfield within its ranks.
