Akins, James Qualify for U20 World Championships

COLUMBIA, S.C. – 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.

Akins wrapped up the Gamecocks’ participating in the event Thursday with a win in the 400 meter final with her 51.81 distancing the field by more than a second. The time was her second fastest of the outdoor season, falling just shy of her 51.33 PR, which she set at the 2024 NCAA East Regional on May 25. Her first place finish bested her runner-up showing at the same event in 2022.

On Wednesday, James took third in the 100 meter final to take her place on Team USA behind her 11.57 time.

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.

100 Meter (Finals)
3. Cynteria James – 11.57

400 Meter (Finals)
1, Zaya Akins – 51.81