2024 Carifta Games Under-20 champion Habiba Harris made a strong start to her collegiate outdoor campaign on Friday, winning the women’s 100m hurdles at the FSU Relays in Tallahassee, Florida.

Competing for the University of Florida, the freshman clocked an impressive 13.05 seconds (+0.3 m/s) to take top honours in her first official race since joining the Gators in January. Harris did not feature during the indoor season, making Friday’s performance at Mike Long Track her collegiate debut.

The 19-year-old Jamaican looked composed and controlled throughout the race, comfortably holding off Notre Dame senior Jadin O’Brien, who finished second in 13.46, and fellow Florida freshman Thalia Waters, who was third in 13.48.

Harris’ winning time reflects the promise she showed last season when she claimed gold at the 2024 Carifta Games in the U20 100m hurdles. Her smooth transition into NCAA competition now positions her as one to watch this spring as the outdoor season ramps up.