The 25-year-old Scot clocked a time of 2:02.72 as she finished 0.82 seconds behind Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma.
Reekie told the BBC: “I knew those girls were going to throw something at me that they were confident with, and they were just better than me today.
“I didn’t want anything other than the win, but first senior medal, I made some mistakes and I’ll learn something from it.
“It’s my first senior medal and I’ve got to take it. I’ve got one now and I definitely want one of those Olympic ones, and it will be a good stepping stone forwards.”
There was also bronze for Great Britain in the women’s 4x400m relay earlier in the evening as the team finished with a haul of four medals.
Laviai Nielsen, twin sister Lina Nielsen, Ama Pipi and Jessie Knight again set a new national record – as they had done in the morning’s heats – with a time of 3:26.36.
They came in behind the Netherlands (3:25.07) and the United States, with Jamaica not finishing after the baton came out of Charokee Young’s hand on the third leg, seemingly via accidental contact from Pipi.
Pipi said: “It was a really messy leg but I just stayed focused on what I needed to do and tried to give it to Jessie in a good position, and I think I did that.”
GB’s other two medals had come in the form of golds on Saturday for Reekie’s fellow Scot Josh Kerr in the men’s 3,000m and Molly Caudery in the women’s pole vault.
British pair Georgia Bell and Revee Walcott-Nolan were fourth and sixth respectively in the women’s 1500m final, and team-mate Cindy Sember was seventh in the women’s 60m hurdles, won in a new world record time of 7.65secs by Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas.
The men’s 1500m final included GB’s Adam Fogg coming 14th.
Also among Sunday evening’s finals was the men’s pole vault title being retained by Sweden’s Olympic champion Armand Duplantis.
Jamaica’s Demario Prince and Jerome Campbell both successfully made it through the heats of the men’s 60m hurdles during the morning session on day two of the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China on Friday.
Jamaica’s Jodean Williams and Antigua & Barbuda’s Joella Lloyd secured wins in their respective heats of the women’s 60m in the morning session of day two at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China on Friday.
Jamaican-American Olympic silver medalist Sandra Farmer-Patrick has been named to the USA coaching staff for the upcoming 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, where she will oversee the women’s sprints and hurdles.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards, the 2022 World Indoor 400m champion, has opted to skip the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, to focus on the outdoor season, particularly the inaugural Grand Slam Track Series (GST) and the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, in September.
Joella Lloyd will carry the flag for Antigua and Barbuda at the 2025 World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, as the nation's sole representative. The national indoor record holder is set to compete in the Women's 60m dash, where she is ranked 13th among the 54 competitors entered for the event.
Driven by a deeply rooted commitment to give back to her birthplace, Alfred, in an exclusive interview with Sportsmax.TV, revealed her heartfelt motivation behind the foundation's creation. Supported by her generous sponsors, Puma and First National Bank, along with her personal funds, the foundation aims to provide critical support to the island's youth, addressing pressing needs for school supplies and athletic equipment.
Reflecting on her own humble beginnings, the 2023 Bowerman Award winner expressed a burning desire to provide opportunities she lacked during her upbringing. "I just wanted to give back to the youth," she explained, "whether it's academically or sports-wise, I want to provide them with opportunities I wish I had at their age.
"I grew up without much, sometimes running without shoes or having to depend on like (Commonwealth champion) Levern Spencer; like one time she donated her shoes to me and some equipment as well.
"Growing up in poverty, you have some children that struggle with going to school; they are not able to go to school or seeing their companions with things they don’t have, so I think it would be a good idea to give back to the youth, just doing things that I wish I had at a young age, to help them grow in the sport or whatever they want to do."
Her journey from running barefoot to becoming the second-fastest woman of all time over 60m has instilled in Julien a profound sense of responsibility to uplift her community. Drawing inspiration from her studies in Youth and Community Studies at the University of Texas in Austin, she is determined to make a meaningful impact, starting with her alma mater, Leon Hess Secondary School, where many children face daunting challenges.
“It was something I always wanted, studying Youth and Community Studies. Doing community studies, I learned a lot about starting a foundation and working with the youth as well. Lots of children from my community who attend Leon Hess really struggle,” she revealed.
She also intends, through the foundation, to support local track clubs with equipment.
Originally intending a quiet launch, Julien's plans were swiftly altered as news of her impending arrival spread across the island. Despite the sudden spotlight, Julien remains humbled by the overwhelming support of her fellow St. Lucians.
“I was hoping to go home and launch silently but now that everybody knows that I am coming home, it’s completely different. It is a bit overwhelming. Getting the amount of support I get from St Lucians, I really appreciate it,” she remarked.
“It’s kind of hard to believe what has been happening in my life, knowing where I came from.”
Upon her arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, Julien will be greeted with an official welcome, followed by a motorcade to Castries, where she will meet with Prime Minister, The Honourable Philip J Pierre, and his Cabinet at the prime minister's official residence. The foundation's official launch is scheduled for Saturday morning, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Julien's journey to uplift and empower the youth of St. Lucia.
Amidst the cheering crowds and vibrant displays of cultural festivities, Alfred embarked on a spirited motorcade that led to the Prime Minister's official residence, where she met with cabinet ministers amid an atmosphere of jubilation.
As the first-ever St Lucian to secure a global gold medal, Alfred's return symbolized a momentous occasion for her homeland. The scenes of dancers, stilt walkers, and exuberant supporters underscored the profound impact of her achievements on the island's youth, many of whom aspire to follow in her illustrious footsteps. (See video below)
Sports Minister Kenson Casimir noted that due to logistical considerations, only a limited number of individuals, a 1000, were permitted inside the Hewanorra International Airport to greet the superstar athlete, ensuring a safe and controlled environment for the festivities.
Supported by her generous sponsors, Puma and First National Bank, in addition to her personal contributions, the Julien Alfred Foundation aims to address critical needs within St Lucia's youth community, particularly focusing on the provision of essential school supplies and athletic equipment.
Reflecting on her own modest beginnings, Alfred expressed a heartfelt commitment to nurturing the potential of St Lucia's youth. "I just wanted to give back to the youth," she emphasized, "whether it's academically or in sports, I want to provide them with opportunities I wish I had at their age."
Alfred's return home and the imminent launch of her foundation represent a pivotal moment in her journey, signaling a deep-rooted commitment to uplifting her community and inspiring future generations of aspiring athletes and scholars.
Thomas, a two-time NCAA champion, will compete in the 400m category in Glasgow, aiming to showcase her talent and contribute to Jamaica's success at the championships. Despite facing setbacks in her previous attempt to represent Jamaica at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, due to delayed paperwork, Thomas is determined to make a significant impact in her first international appearance for Jamaica.
Expressing her gratitude for the selection, Thomas stated, "I am honoured to have made this team, especially since they had to purposely select me." She emphasized her commitment to helping the team secure victories and using the experience as a stepping stone for future competitions.
Thomas, born in Jamaica and an alumna of Vaz Prep, migrated to the United States for high school and attended the University of Southern California (USC) before completing her collegiate career at the University of Texas. Her notable achievements include impressive times of 51.67 and 51.88 in the 400m event during the current indoor season, along with a swift 22.72 run over 200m in early February.
Reflecting on her journey, Thomas sees this season as a period of growth and views the World Championships as a valuable opportunity to strengthen herself and contribute to the team's success. She highlighted the importance of each meet as an opportunity for improvement, emphasizing her dedication to making her team stronger.
Thomas concluded, "This has been a season of growth, and I think that’s one of the most important parts of the sport, and where better to grow than at a World Championships."
Speaking in an interview with Trinidadian legend Ato Boldon last week, Lyles says his next goal is to take home the 60m world title at the upcoming World Indoor Championships set for March 1-3 in Glasgow, Scotland.
“The goal is to win the World Championships indoor,” the 26-year-old told Boldon.
To win that crown, Lyles will likely have to beat countryman and current World indoor 60m record holder, Christian Coleman, who took gold at the 2018 World Indoor Championships in Birmingham. Coleman set the current world record 6.34 earlier that year. 2022 World 100m champion Fred Kerley will also compete indoors this season.
Lyles is coming off a phenomenal 2023 outdoor season. He won a trio of gold medals at the World Championships in Budapest in August, becoming the first man since Usain Bolt to achieve the feat.
At those World Championships, Lyles produced a new personal best of 9.83 to win his maiden World 100m title.
Lyles also had one of his best indoor seasons last year, including a personal best 6.51 to win the 60m at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in New York last February.
He has never competed at the World Indoor Championships.
Trinidad and Tobago will send a two-member team to the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, from March 21-23, with Olympian Michelle-Lee Ahye and multi-talented Tyra Gittens-Spotsville set to compete on the global stage. The National Association of Athletics Administrations of Trinidad and Tobago (NAAA) confirmed their selections as the country aims to make an impact at the prestigious event.
Adding to a bronze medal in the 400m from the 2014 World Indoor Championships in Sopot, Miller-Uibo got a good lead on the field at the start and used her strength to carry her home in a time of 50.31. Dutch 400m Hurdles Olympic bronze medallist Femke Bol was second in 50.57, while Jamaica’s Stephenie Ann-McPherson was third in a national indoor record 50.79.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards ensured the Caribbean swept the 400m events with a brilliant championship record 45.00 to win gold ahead of the USA’s Trevor Bassitt (45.05) and Sweden’s Carl Bengstrom (45.33).
The 2017 World Championships 200m bronze medallist now has two World Indoor Championships medals after his bronze from the 4x400m in the 2012 edition in Istanbul.
The Caribbean experienced a rollercoaster of emotions in the men’s 60m hurdles and women’s 60m semi-finals during the opening session of day two at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, on Saturday.
Dominica’s trailblazing Olympic and World Indoor triple jump champion, Thea Lafond-Gadson, has been appointed as the Dominican Destination Brand Ambassador and Brand Ambassador for the National Bank of Dominica (NBD). These dual honours celebrate Lafond-Gadson’s historic achievements and her ongoing commitment to inspiring her fellow Dominicans.
According to reports from CVM Sports, reigning Olympic 100m silver medalist Kishane Thompson will compete at the World Indoor Championships set for March 21-23 in Nanjing, China.
The 29-year-old Londoner smashed Jonathan Edwards’ 10 year old British record and came within eight centimetres of the then world indoor record.
Sporting a designer red hairstyle, Idowu opened with a jump of 17.10m before going out to 17.75m with his second.
He matched his previous personal best of 17.56m in the third round and jumped 17.45m in the next before sitting out the fifth and fouling with his final attempt.
By that point he had already done enough to see off the challenge of former world junior champion David Giralt and the previous year’s world outdoor gold medallist Nelson Evora.
Idowu was presented with his medal by former world and Olympic champion Edwards.
He said: “I knew it was going to be hard beforehand, so I kept on going.
“I wanted to see what sort of shape I was in after four or five months of hard winter work – and obviously it’s a very good one.”
After triumphing at the 2009 World Championships outdoors seven months earlier, all eyes were on her as she attempted to back it up at the World Indoor Championships in Qatar.
The result was a new British, Commonwealth and championship record score of 4,937 points to finish above rivals Nataliya Dobrynska, Hyleas Fountain and Tatyana Chernova.
Ennis, who changed her surname to Ennis-Hill after marrying Andy Hill in 2013, won the 60 metres hurdles and high jump and took second place in the long jump and 800m to clinch a memorable victory.
The then 24-year-old, whose preparations had been disrupted by a foot injury, said: “I feel great to beat the three medallists from (the) Beijing (Olympics in 2008). It’s very special to win here and break the championship record.
“I had a great year in 2009 so everyone was expecting me to win.”
The Sheffield athlete finished second at the outdoor World Championships the following year but was promoted to first in 2016 after Chernova was disqualified for doping.
She then became one of the faces of London 2012 by winning Olympic gold on home soil.
She gave birth to son Reggie in 2014 but returned to the sport the following year and regained the world title before adding Olympic silver in Rio in 2016.
Ennis-Hill announced her retirement in October 2016 and was made a Dame in the 2017 New Year Honours.
Julien Alfred, the young sprint sensation, generously gifted her gold-medal-winning shoes from the World Indoor 60m Championships in Glasgow. On March 2, Alfred created history when she became the first St Lucian athlete to win a gold medal at a global championship after storming to victory in a world-leading time of 6.98s.
The SLOC, led by President Alfred Emmanuel, gratefully accepted the historic donation at Olympic House. In an Instagram post, they expressed their appreciation for Julien's gesture and announced plans for the shoes to be showcased in a memorabilia exhibition later in the year. These shoes, worn during Julien's triumphant sprint to victory, would now become a cherished artifact, joining the esteemed collection of more than a thousand pieces at the St Lucia Olympic Museum.
“The (running spikes) are currently housed at our Olympic museum but the plan is later in the year, Olympic week, which would be in June, we will be having a public exhibition in the city of Castries so it will surely be out there for the public to see but if persons would want to have a close-up look at it they are welcome to visit our museum.
“The spikes will be part of a bigger exhibition in June but it’s part of the exhibits we have on display right now at the museum.”
President Emmanuel shared his excitement about the upcoming exhibition, scheduled to coincide with Olympic week in June. He emphasized the significance of displaying Julien's spikes alongside other iconic items from St Lucia's sporting history. From Dominic Johnson's bronze-medal-winning shoe to Levern Spencer's Gold Coast high jump shoes, each artifact representing a chapter in the nation's athletic journey.
Reflecting on Julien Alfred's remarkable achievement in Glasgow, President Emmanuel expressed pride and anticipation. "We would have been disappointed had she not crossed the line first," he remarked, echoing the sentiments of a nation eagerly awaiting her victory. Julien's success, he believed, held the power to inspire future generations of athletes and prompt policymakers to prioritize sports investment.
“I hope it can serve as a motivation for our athletes, especially knowing Julien’s history, where she came from, her dedication, the effort she put into the sport and now she is being reaping the rewards,” he remarked.
“We only hope that would serve as a motivation for her and motivation for policymakers of the country, the government, to invest more in sports and at the end of the day, the aim is to see how many more Julien Alfreds we can have in the not too distant future.”
The 22-year-old sprint sensation made history on Saturday, securing the gold medal in the 60m dash and etching her name in St Lucian athletics lore.
Already recognized as the fastest women ever from St Lucia, Alfred's stellar performance in Glasgow elevated her status to unparalleled heights. Clocking a world-leading 6.98s, she held off formidable competitors Ewa Swoboda of Poland (7.00s) and Italy's Zaynab Dosso (7.05s) to clinch the coveted gold medal, marking the first time a St Lucian athlete has achieved such a feat on the global stage.
In the wake of this historic victory, St Lucia's Sports Minister, Kenson Casimir, expressed the government's eagerness to celebrate Julien Alfred's triumph.
Speaking to Sportsmax.TV, Minister Casimir outlined plans for a grand celebration but emphasized that the arrangements would hinge on Alfred's availability, considering her demanding athletic schedule.
“We have a very long season ahead of us, we would love to celebrate it with Julien but we are thinking about whether or not she comes home, that would be entirely up to her, her technical team, and her staff, coach and others," stated Minister Casimir.
The sports minister further conveyed the island's desire to demonstrate their pride and support for Alfred by parading her across the entire island. However, recognizing the athlete's significant goals and commitments, Casimir expressed the need to coordinate with Alfred's team to determine the feasibility of such a celebration.
“We would love to have her home to really parade her around the entire island, but we have big goals; she has big goals. Of course, I will be on the phone with her soon enough to find out what is possible and what’s not,” he added.
The 22-year-old became St. Lucia’s first ever global medallist with a joint world-leading 6.98 ahead of main rival Ewa Swoboda of Poland (7.00) and Italy’s Zaynab Dosso (7.05).
In a post-race interview, the 2023 Bowerman Award winner said she said she has long dreamt about being her country’s first ever global medallist.
“I’ve been dreaming about this for such a long time to come out here and give my country their first ever medal and I feel so happy and overwhelmed,” she said.
“I had so many feelings going through my mind and body. We had to wait such a long time to see our names come up and I just kept wondering is it me? Is it Swoboda? As soon as my name came up I just felt overwhelmed and happy knowing I can finally call myself a world champion,” Alfred added.
Alfred entered into the final as the second fastest qualifier with a time of 7.03 and watched Swoboda light up the track on her war to a world leading 6.98 to win her semi-final.
The former St. Catherine High and University of Texas standout was asked about whether or not Swoboda’s semi-final performance was on her mind going into the much-anticipated final.
“I think I’ve grown a little bit more compared to last year at the World Championships. Even if somebody runs faster than me in the semis, just don’t worry about it because there’s always a final,” she said.
As far as her tactical approach went, Alfred’s goal was to get a good start and maintain her composure through the line.
“Just get out! I think my semi-final wasn’t executed in the right way. I know my top end speed was there but I know that Swoboda has a great start so my main focus was just to get out and hang on and continue to push to the line,” added the former Texas standout.
With that said, “no,” was her response to a question about whether or not she executed her race perfectly.
“My start was there but I felt like the ending could’ve been much better had I just stayed relaxed and not pressured myself to go to the line,” she added.
Alfred's goal now shifts to some outdoor success at the Paris Olympics.
"Definitely! One step at a time, one race at a time and just practicing hard to execute when the time comes," she said.
