Shamier Little runner-up in 400m hurdles at Diamond League Final
EUGENE, Oregon – The final day of the Prefontaine Classic provided a pair of World records along with an American record and five world leading marks as the annual meet served as the Diamond League Final this year.
Arkansas volunteer assistant Shamier Little, a silver medalist at the recent Budapest World Championships, finished second in the 400m hurdles with a time of 53.45 seconds after leading the field from hurdle 4 to hurdle 8, splitting 36.64 at the eighth hurdle.
World champion Femke Bol of the Netherlands, won the race in a meet record of 51.98, topping the 52.77 set by Dalilah Muhammad in 2021. Bol split 36.74 at hurdle 8, but moved ahead of Little by hurdle 9, with an edge of 41.54 to 41.61.
“This year was a little different, usually I’m trying to redeem myself at the Diamond League Final,” said Little. “How I did at Worlds made my season more what it should be and what I’ve wanted it to be.
“So, I came into this meet as the last race and to give it my all. Not playing it safe, having fun, and just going for it. I think I did that.”
Bol noted: “I tried to go out a bit fast but when I get tired this is hard for me. But I had a really strong finish again and my strides worked like I wanted. Finishing in 51 and the Diamond League trophy win is all I can ask for.”
Also in the field were a pair of hurdlers who train with Arkansas women’s assistant coach Boogie Johnson. Anna Cockrell finished fifth in 54.48 while Gianna Woodruff placed seventh in 54.95.