Jennifer Madu of the USA takes the World Youth 100m title in Lille (© Getty Images)
For the fourth time in the history of the IAAF World Youth Championships, the 'fastest girl in the world' title went to the USA, this time courtesy of Jennifer Madu.
Pouring it on after a cautious start, the 16-year-old reeled in early leader Christania Williams of Jamaica some eight metres before she crossed the finish in 11.57, the fastest she’s ever covered the distance in her life.
“I can’t even explain it right it now,” said the 11th grader from Plano East Senior High School in Murphy, Texas, whose previous best was 11.63 and only the third fastest among the finalists.
“I can’t wait to tell my mom and coach who couldn’t make it here. They were following from home and are going to be so happy.”
Her teammate Myasia Jacobs also showed the making of a strong second half racer, as she joined Madu over the waning stages in passing the Jamaican to finish off the third USA 1-2 in the event at these Championships in 11.61.
Running in lane three Williams, the world leader at 11.39, had built a clear lead by thirty metres and looked every bit the winner by midway, but couldn’t fend off the American duo’s longer strides over the second half. She stopped the clock in 11.63 to take bronze.
Bulgarian Galina Nikolova was next in 11.68, with Canadian Khamica Bingham fifth in 11.71.
Bob Ramsak for the IAAF
