The USC Freshman, and former Rush-Henrietta standout, Lanae-Tava Thomas has had a phenomenal first year as a Collegiate. Not only did she win the Pac-12 Title, she now carries wind-legal bests of 11.16 in the 100m and 22.65 in the 200m. In addition, because of her young age, she was still eligible to represent the USA at the Pan-Am U20 Championships, held in Costa Rica.
Thomas was the leader through the semi's, where she ran 23.12, putting a big lead on her heat. However, fellow American Jayda Eckford was right behind, winning the next heat in 23.17. In the finals, the pair swept the competition, with Thomas scoring 22.80, with Eckford in second at 23.04. Lorraine Barbosa Martines of Brazil grabbed third place in 23.06.
Thomas is not the only New Yorker in Costa Rica. Tai Brown ran a stellar 110HH Hurdle race at the Qualifier. At U20's, he took second in the qualifying round at 13.57 to Jamaica's Akeem Cargill, then took second in the finals with a wind-aided 13.36, behind fellow American Eric Edwards Jr. at 13.11.
Watch the 200m Finals below