KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a spectacular display of athletic prowess, Hydel High School’s Nastassia Fletcher seized victory in the girls’ open 400m hurdles during the penultimate day of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. Held at the National Stadium on Friday, the event witnessed Fletcher not only claim the title but also set a new world under-20 leading time and a personal best of 56.70 seconds.
This triumphant performance served as a decisive act of redemption against Edwin Allen’s Kelly-Ann Carr, the defending champion. Their rivalry intensified just a day prior when Carr had outperformed Fletcher in the Class 1 400m event. Furthermore, Carr had secured the 400m hurdles gold medal in the previous year’s championships, adding significant weight to Fletcher’s victory.
Fletcher’s remarkable time shattered her previous personal record of 57.92 seconds, which was established in March 2025. This achievement also propelled her to the top of the global youth rankings, displacing South Africa’s Tumi Ramokgopa from the world lead.
Despite her defeat, Carr delivered an exceptional performance, clocking in at 56.84 seconds. This time surpassed her own previous best of 57.02 seconds and currently stands as the second-fastest time in the world for the year. Completing the podium was another Hydel High athlete, Alliyah Mullings, who secured third place with a significant personal best of 59.25 seconds, a substantial improvement from her prior record of 1:01.36.