Jamaican standouts Leah Anderson and Nia Robinson were among the top performers at the Arkansas Twilight Meet in Fayetteville on Friday, each securing victory in their respective events, while Ackera Nugent returned to competition following a lucrative weekend at the Grand Slam Track Series.

Anderson impressed in the 400m, racing to a personal best 51.15s to win ahead of Arkansas sophomore Arianna Sharpe, who also clocked a lifetime best of 51.91. American Taylor Manson finished third in 52.25, a season’s best. The result underscores Anderson’s growing credentials in the one-lap event as the season heats up.

In the women’s long jump, Nia Robinson produced the day’s best leap with a wind-aided 6.74m (+3.4), finishing comfortably ahead of Diamond Brunn (6.24m) of Southern Arkansas and Anisha Henderson (5.87m) of Oklahoma Baptist. Though the wind reading exceeded the legal limit, Robinson’s winning mark reflects the form and confidence she is carrying into the championship stretch.

Meanwhile, Ackera Nugent, who pocketed US$100,000 at last weekend’s Grand Slam Track Series meet in Miami—thanks to her runner-up finish in the 100m and a strong showing in the 100m hurdles—was back on the track in Fayetteville. On Friday, she finished second in the 200m, clocking 23.01s (+3.9) behind Arkansas senior Rosey Effiong, who took the win in 22.75s. Sharpe returned to finish third in 23.14, with Arkansas’ Joanne Reid close behind in 23.29.

Nugent, better known for her dominance over the sprint hurdles, used the race as part of her ongoing preparations after a busy but rewarding week on the track.

In the 400m hurdles, Panama’s Gianna Woodruff, a 2022 World Championship finalist, took top honours in 56.56s, well ahead of Americans Simone Watkins (1:00.58) and Mary McKey (1:00.60).