ATHLETICS – Bahrain’s superstar sprinter and former world indoor champion Kemi Adekoya powered to a sensational victory in the women’s 400 metres hurdles at the USATF Lone Star Grand Prix in Texas, the US.
Adekoya was in the lead early on and brilliantly defended her position with an aggressive run to the finish.
She triumphed in 53.71 seconds, which was her quickest time in the event so far this season.
The 33-year-old built a healthy gap from runner-up Ashley Miller from Zimbabwe, who had a mark of 54.08s, while Shamier Little of the US came third in 54.15s.
“This was a season’s best for me,” said Adekoya after her win.
“LA Grand Prix is next – looking forward to the rest of the season!”
Her win came in her second competitive run in the women’s 400m hurdles in this year’s international athletics campaign.
She previously also competed in the same race at a meeting in Kenya, where she was classified second in 54.60s.
According to her management team, Adekoya’s sub-54s time at the USATF Lone Star Grand Prix was also a stadium and meeting record.
Her personal best is 53.09s, which is also an Asian and Bahraini record.
The LA Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday next week, where Adekoya is also expected to compete in the 400m hurdles, which is her primary discipline.
Both the USATF Lone Star Grand Prix and USATF LA Grand Prix are Gold-level events on this season’s World Athletics Continental Tour.
Aside from her competitions on track and field’s 2026 international circuit, Adekoya is also expected to be a key member of Bahrain’s athletics national team that will be going for gold in the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan later this year.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))