Local track star Adaejah Hodge inked her name into history once again after capturing the girls’ championships 200-meter title at the 2023 New Balance Nationals Outdoor event on Sunday, in a record-breaking time of 22.64 seconds.
The Montverde Academy athlete came into the tournament which took place at Franklin Field, Philadelphia, as one of the favourites for the title and had a clear view of victory after rival Shawnti Jackson false started in the final.
Hodge stormed out of the blocks to establish an early lead, showcasing her dominance in the first half of the race. This allowed her to enter the final stretch of the race in a commanding position, to finish strongly, breaking the previously set record of 22.84 seconds which was set by Jackson at the previous meet.
Finishing second was senior athlete Madison Whyte, with a time of 22.94 seconds, while junior runner Laila Campbell claimed the bronze medal in 23.26 seconds.
Just recently, Hodge achieved a wind-legal outdoor personal best of 22.60 seconds in Florida, which set a new national record in the 200-meter event in the BVI.