Olympic 400m hurdles silver medalist Anna Cockrell cruised to an easy victory at the Rome Diamond League exploiting the notable absence of defending Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and reigning world champion Femke Bol.
Cockrell, seizing the opportunity,blazed through the course in a blistering 52.59 seconds to claim the top spot.
Right behind her was Jamaica’s Shiann Salmon who put in a solid performance finishing the race at 53.20 seconds.
American Shamier Little secured the third spot with a time of 54.15 seconds, demonstrating her consistency and competitiveness on the international stage.
Salmon, reflecting on her performance, expressed both satisfaction and ambition.
“I feel good, I have been running consistently over the last races. I practice this rhythm and the race so much, I have done it so often this season that it kind of come natural now. Whenever I go out there my intent is to win, but I am satisfied with this second place,” she said in post-race interview.
“I will run in Zurich and hope to be at the Diamond League final in Brussels. I have not been home to Jamaica and look forward to celebrate—very much so. I have not had time to celebrate because I am trying to dig under the 53s barrier,” explained an elated Salmon after her race,” she added.
Jamaica’s strength in the hurdles was further underscored by Janieve Russell and Andrenette Knight, who finished fourth and fifth, respectively.
Russell, a seasoned athlete, clocked in at 54.46 seconds, closely followed by Knight at 54.90 seconds.
From Europe, Italy’s Ayomide Folorunso claimed the sixth position with a commendable time of 55.00 seconds, just ahead of France’s Louise Maraval, who finished seventh. crossing the line at 55.16 seconds.
Britain’s Lina Nielsen finished in eighth place fighting hard to clock in at 55.93 seconds.
Meanwhile, Anna Ryzhykova from Ukraine, although finishing last in ninth place still managed to put up a competitive time of 56.96 seconds displaying the unyielding spirit of an underdog.
