Shamier Little's 400 meters hurdles London Diamond League triumph raises eyebrows ahead of Paris Olympics

Shamier Little's 400 meters hurdles London Diamond League triumph raises eyebrows ahead of Paris Olympics

Festus Chuma 06:48 - 22.07.2024

The American athlete Shamier Little set a season best in the 400m hurdles voicing excitement and determination for Paris Olympics.

Pan American champion Shamier Little has reacted with a mix of excitement and fervor after setting a new season best in the 400m hurdles at the recent London Diamond League.

Little, who clocked a stunning 52.78 seconds, expressed her determination and readiness for the upcoming Paris Olympics, highlighting her ambitions beyond just individual glory.

Despite finishing second behind the Netherlands' star Famke Bol—who recently shattered the 51-second barrier—Little's performance was anything but a quiet achievement.

The American hurdler's time, her best this season positions her as a serious contender for the Paris game where she aims not only to excel in her individual events but also to contribute significantly to Team USA's efforts in the relay races.

"I really wanted to stay upright today, stay focused and get a good time. With the relay in Paris, I am very excited as I love the team environment of the relay and the Olympics," she shared after the race.

Little's ambitions stretch beyond personal success as she is keenly aware of the team dynamics and the high expectations placed on Team USA.

"I haven’t done a relay at this level before, so I am very excited. Being Team USA, we will expect to medal and get a good time, so I want to be part of that, of course. I love this stadium; it is so loud and really is what track and field is about," she added.

At Paris, all eyes are on Little and her ability to translate her season's best performances into medals.

Her journey from a prodigious talent in Illinois high school athletics to a national champion with the Texas A&M Aggies illustrates a trajectory marked by relentless improvement and a fierce competitive spirit.

The women's 400m hurdles event promises to be a highlight of the games, with athletes like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Femke Bol setting formidable standards.

But Little is no stranger to challenges as from her early days under coach Tash Mcray at Lindblom Math & Science Academy to her record-setting performances in college she has consistently risen to the occasion.

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