The women's 400m final at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing on Saturday (22) delivered an electrifying race, with the top three athletes all finishing under 51 seconds.
Amber Anning of Great Britain clinched the gold medal in 50.60, narrowly edging out the United States' Alexis Holmes in 50.63 with Norway's Henriette Jæger securing the bronze in 50.92.
This victory holds particular significance for Anning, considering the challenges she faced earlier this month. At the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn, Anning was disqualified from the 400m heats due to a lane infringement, a setback that tested her resilience.
"It just feels like redemption after what happened at the Europeans. To finish my indoor season with this high, it's just amazing," said Anning who did pick up a silver medal in the 4x400m in Apeldoorn.
In Nanjing, Anning demonstrated remarkable composure and determination with her focus solely on the individual 400m. At the break, and after a brief bump, Holmes maintained the inside line, with Anning in close pursuit and Jæger just behind.
Anning increased her pace, challenging Holmes for the lead. In a dramatic finish, Anning managed to overtake Holmes at the line, with Holmes diving in a valiant attempt to reclaim the lead.
Holmes, the reigning US indoor champion, and Jæger, who narrowly missed out on victory at the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn earlier this month, both delivered strong performances, highlighting the depth of talent in the event, while Anning's triumph adds to Great Britain's success at the championships, following Jeremiah Azu's recent 60m gold.
Anning commented after the race: "World champion sounds nice. It's been a journey. It wasn't the cleanest of races, but in the end I was competitive, and I'm just grateful I was able to get the win."