Malik James-King produced a stunning performance to win his maiden national 400m hurdles title on day two of the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Friday.
James-King became the second fastest Jamaican in the history of the event with a massive personal best 47.42, almost a full second faster than his previous personal best of 48.39 done earlier this season, to claim the win.
National and World junior record holder and World Championship finalist Roshawn Clarke ran 48.04 in second while Commonwealth Games silver medallist Jaheel Hyde ran 48.35 for third.
“I just executed my race as best as I could,” James-King said after his stunning performance.
“I was just focusing on how I train, taking every hurdle as they come. I wasn’t really watching anyone and just running my race,” he added.
Regarding the time, James-King said he’s more excited than surprised.
Clarke was happy to get on his first Olympic team.
“The strategy tonight was to execute as best I could, get myself in the top three and make the team and work from there,” he said.
“I wanted to go faster but I made the team so I can’t complain,” he added.