Britain's Sabrina Bakare in the 400m heats at the 2013 World Youth Championships (© Getty Images)
Great Britain’s Sabrina Bakare smashed her 400m lifetime best for the second time in two days, flying to a 52.77 victory over the USA’s pre-event favourite, Olivia Baker.
The 17-year-old enjoyed a strong start and overhauled both Baker and Jamaica’s Tiffany James in the final 50 metres to clinch Britain’s first ever medal in this event during the 14-year history of the championships.
She gave an indication of her form when speeding to a 53.23 clocking to lead the semi-final qualification, yet Baker was still the marginal favourite for the gold medal, having registered a world youth-leading 52.71 earlier this summer.
In claiming silver with 53.38, the 17-year-old followed the USA’s fine tradition in this event, with the nation having claimed victory four times in the eight editions of this championship.
James meanwhile, was timed at 53.56 in the bronze medal position to take the Caribbean island’s third medal in this event.
In fourth, Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Oanh clocked a 53.80 personal best with Nigeria’s Edidiong Ofonime Odiong finishing fifth in a 54.14 lifetime best.
