The 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, showcased some of the world’s top young track athletes on Thursday, August 6.
Among the competitors was Saint Lucia’s rising star, Jady Emmanuel.
Mia Maxwell, the 18-year-old from Texas, made headlines by clocking an impressive 11.14 seconds to secure victory in the women’s 100m final, triumphing over the favored Shanoya Douglas of Jamaica.
While Jady Emmanuel, the talented 17-year-old , faced fierce competition against a field of world-class athletes, she ultimately finished in 8th place. Competing against seniors in the sport, Jady encountered significant challenges but gained valuable experience in what will be an important step in her athletic development.
Maxwell burst out of the blocks faster than any of the other finalists at Hayward Field. She maintained her lead against her twin sister, Mariah, and held off Douglas, who closed the gap in the final meters but crossed the finish line in 11.17 seconds. “As soon as I got out of the blocks, I knew the race was mine,” Maxwell told the press. “I continued to execute and run through the line like I have been in practice.”
Douglas acknowledged her missteps in the race. “I made a couple of mistakes. I’m still learning. I’m still very much young. I have a lot more in me and a long way to go,” she said.
The excitement will continue as both athletes are set to compete again in the women’s 200m final on Saturday, August 8. Despite their rivalry on the track, the two have remained good friends off the field.
Italian sprinter Kelly Doualla Edimo took home the bronze medal, finishing in 11.27 seconds, while Switzerland’s Xenia Buri narrowly missed the podium with a time of 11.33 seconds. Mariah Maxwell finished closely behind in 11.35 seconds.
Although Jady Emmanuel placed 8th with a time of 11.47 seconds, her earlier heat performances were strong enough to earn her a spot in the final.
As one of the youngest finalists, she has garnered great expectations and support from her home fans, promising a bright future in the sport.
The Laborie Youth and Sports Council extends heartfelt congratulations to Jady Emmanuel on her remarkable achievement of finishing 8th in the Women’s 100m Final at the World Athletics U20 Championships with a time of 11.47 seconds.
The group stated , “Jady, you have made Laborie and Saint Lucia proud by competing among the world’s best young athletes. Your determination and confidence are truly inspiring. To all young athletes, let Jady’s journey remind you that hard work and self-belief can lead to great success.
Keep training and dreaming big!
Congratulations once again, Jady! Saint Lucia celebrates you!”
