After placing fifth in the women’s final of the 400m at the World Athletic Indoor Championships and becoming the South American record holder, a fire has been lit in Aliyah Abrams and she is poised for success as the outdoor season approaches.
Abrams, who represented Guyana at the last Olympics, clocked a personal best (indoor) 51.57s in the semi-final last Friday in Belgrade, Serbia to become this continent’s record holder.
Her early season success has the 24-year-old Brooklyn-born sprinter thinking of achieving greater feats on the track.
“I was overwhelmed with joy as this was my second international final I’ve made (2019 Pan-Ams)” Abrams told Stabroek Sport. She added, “Of course getting a medal is the ‘final hurdle’ but being able to make a final is a success in itself and should not be overshadowed with only medal hopes. This process should not be rushed as it takes patience, hard work and unwavering dedication. This was a step in the right direction for my track career as a whole.”
Abrams stated that although there were butterflies ahead of the final, she was able to put together a ‘a great race’ in the semis and will learn and build on the ‘big race’ experience.
“The overall experience at Worlds is what I envisioned going in and I’m glad it unfolded in the way it did. I performed well at the right time and trusted my training. This whole season I’ve been running my best, and I was able to put together a great race.” Abrams, who clocked 52.34s in the race which was won by Olympic gold medalist, Shaunae Miller-Uibo with a season’s best 50.31s, stated that she is now ready to take her talents outside.
“The finals of the 400 was not how I imagined it would go, but it lit a fire in me and I am ready to get back to work. I am ready for this outdoor season and look forward to putting my best foot forward.”
Abrams concluded by saying that she envisions making her outdoor season debut late next month.
