Gainesville Abraham Lincoln (Fl.) middle school phenom Tamari Davis, 14, landed an age group world record in the 200m on Friday at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, running 23.21 seconds.
Davis broke the old record of 23.43, which was achieved by Angel Perkins back in 1999 at the 12th Annual Bring The Heat Invitational in North Carolina when she ran 23.38 two weeks ago. Her time at Pre lowered that even more. The eighth grader's time ties for US No. 2 in the nation.
University of Miami signee and recent Miami Southridge graduate Symone Mason was second in 23.49 and University of Southern California recruit and Miami Northwestern grad Twanisha Terry was third in 23.8.
"We talked about just going out and having fun," Davis' coach, Gary Evans, told Flrunners.com over email. "No pressure, just be honored that you were picked to come as an eighth grader.
"I told her think about the 250s you do and go out and run a strong turn -- because lane 2 at that track is a lot of curve -- and drive home to the finish line with that strength from the 250s. This was a big win for her over some amazing and talented athletes.
"Female athletes have a lot of transitioning they have to overcome when running so fast at a young age, but if it's in the man above plans nothing can stop that plan.
"Next stop is Boston, then she will finish the season up going USATF route to make Junior Olympics for the first time in her track and field career."
