Columbia Track and Field Freshmen Qualify for U20 World Championships

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Akins, James Qualify for U20 World Championships

South Carolina track and field freshmen Zaya Akins and Cynteria James will compete for Team USA in the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, Aug. 27-31. The duo sealed their spots with top-six finishes in the 400 meters and 100 meters, respectively, at this week’s USATF U20 Championships in Eugene, Ore.

Impressive Performances Earn Akins and James a Spot on Team USA

Akins wrapped up the Gamecocks’ participating in the event Thursday with a win in the 400 meter final with her time of 51.81 seconds. The time was her second fastest of the outdoor season, just shy of her personal record of 51.33 seconds set at the 2024 NCAA East Regional on May 25. Her first place finish bettered her second-place showing at the same event in 2022.

On Wednesday, James secured a spot on Team USA by finishing third in the 100 meters final with a time of 11.57 seconds. Gamecocks will continue to vie for positions on the international stage with Olympic trials happening across the globe in the coming weeks, including the U.S. Trials set for June 21-30 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

Impressive Results at USATF U20 Championships

100 Meter (Finals)
3. Cynteria James – 11.57

400 Meter (Finals)
1. Zaya Akins – 51.81

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