The women’s sprints at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, delivered plenty of drama, with Caribbean athletes taking center stage. Much of the attention entering the competition was focused on British Virgin Islands star Adaejah Hodge of the University of Georgia, who appeared poised to complete a historic sprint double. However, Jamaica’s Shenese Walker had other plans.

Hodge announced herself as the woman to beat long before the final. Competing in Heat 1 of the 100m semifinals with a favorable +1.9 m/s tailwind, the Georgia freshman produced a stunning 10.63 seconds. The performance shattered the collegiate record, meet record, and championship record previously held by Sha’Carri Richardson, whose 10.75 stood since 2019. Hodge’s run also established a personal best, collegiate lead, and world-leading mark, sending shockwaves through Hayward Field.

With such a dominant semifinal performance, Hodge entered the final as the overwhelming favorite. But championship races are rarely won on paper. Florida State’s Shenese Walker delivered the race of her life, storming to victory in 10.88 seconds to capture the NCAA title. Hodge finished second in 10.93, while LSU’s Shawnti Jackson secured third place in 11.09.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on the 100m crown, Hodge responded like a true champion in the 200m final. The British Virgin Islands sensation powered to victory in a collegiate record 21.68 seconds, tying for the eighth-fastest performance in history. Jackson again reached the podium, finishing second in 22.12, while Texas A&M’s Camryn Dickson took third in 22.18. Jamaica’s Gabrielle Mathews of Florida placed fourth with a strong 22.29 effort.

The NCAA Championships once again highlighted the incredible depth of Caribbean sprinting talent. Walker’s stunning upset victory and Hodge’s record-breaking performances ensured that the region’s athletes remained among the biggest stars on one of collegiate track and field’s grandest stages.