LIMA, Peru – Jamaica’s rising sprint sensation, Shanoya Douglas, showcased her impressive athletic prowess by securing the bronze medal in the women’s 200m at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, clocking a time of 23.10 seconds in calm wind conditions (0.0m/s).
The 16-year-old athlete demonstrated remarkable courage and endurance to claim the third spot on the podium, further contributing to Jamaica’s growing tally of medals at the championship. Douglas’s commendable performance was part of a broader series of successes for the Jamaican team, which has so far garnered three medals, including two golds.
Alana Reid triumphed in the women’s 100m, while Kerrica Hill emerged victorious in the 100m hurdles, propelling Jamaica to ninth place on the medals table. Adding to the excitement, Douglas’s bronze came amid a fiercely competitive field, which saw Adaejah Hodge from the British Virgin Islands clinching gold with a time of 22.74 seconds. Hodge, a previous 100m silver medallist and Olympic Games semi-finalist, was closely followed by Australia’s Torrie Lewis, who set a personal best of 22.88 seconds for the silver medal.
Despite an arduous journey, including the need for medical attention right after her semi-final and final races, Douglas remained positive about her bronze medal achievement. Reflecting on her performance, she expressed gratitude for her podium finish, stating, “I have to be grateful because I could have finished fourth and not get a medal, so I am grateful for the third I had.”
As Jamaica continues to make strides in global athletics, Douglas’s success at the World U-20 Championships further cements the nation’s reputation for producing world-class sprinters. The young athlete’s accomplishment is a testament to her resilience and determination, promising a bright future ahead for her in the world of track and field.
