Teary-eyed Hastings wins 400 in homecoming

By Christopher Hunt

Natasha Hastings was preparing for her race in a remote area on the first floor of the Armory when she locked eyes with her mother. Her mom asked what was wrong.

“I just feel like crying,” Hastings said.

And then she did.

“It was just because I just feel like I’ve waited so long,” Hastings said. “Everyone knows the last two years have been pretty rough. I feel like this is the year that everything is going to fall into place.”

Hastings took a step Saturday, winning the elite women’s 400 at the New Balance Games in 52.26 seconds. She is back training with Curtis Frye, who coached her at South Carolina and is now managed by her mother, Joanne Hastings. The night before at the Great Dane Classic, Hastings won the 60 in a personal best 7.28.

“I feel like I was born her...