Trio of Gamecocks to Represent USA in U20 World Championships

LIMA, Peru (Aug. 26, 2024) – The international competition for track & field continues this week with the U20 World Championships in Lima, Peru. The Gamecocks have three representatives for Team USA as Zaya Akins, Cynteria James and newcomer Cheyla Scott will look to leave their mark in Peru.

James will be the first Gamecock to compete, running in the women’s 100 meter preliminary round tomorrow at 11:10 a.m., followed by the semifinals later in the afternoon at 5:45 p.m. The 100m final will commence on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 7:30 p.m. James carries with her a personal best time of 11.01 that was ran at the Weems Baskin Invitational earlier this year. The sophomore sprinter will also look to contest in the 4x100m relay with the preliminary round taking place on Friday, Aug. 30 at 1:35 p.m. and the finals on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 6:45 p.m.

Akins will be the next Gamecock to run, competing in the women’s 400 meter prelims on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 12:05 p.m. followed by the semifinal round at 6:45 p.m. later that day. The finals of the 400m will take place on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7:43 p.m. The three-time First Team All-American will also be fighting for a spot on the 4x400m relay that will run on Friday, Aug. 30 at 12:30 p.m. with the finals on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. Akins brings a personal best time of 51.33 to Peru and looks to build on her successful freshman campaign.

Scott, the newest member of the Gamecock family, will compete in the women’s high jump on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 12:05 p.m. in the qualifying round. The former Oregon Duck will look to climb into the finals that will take place on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 5:25 p.m. Scott’s personal best high jump heading into the U20 World Championships is 1.88m (6-2), achieved at the PAC-12 Outdoor Championships this past season where she finished second overall to earn eight points.

* – all times listed are Eastern Time