Fastest Opener in History Bodes Well for Season Ahead

By Scott Bush

On Friday, at the Spec Towns Invitational at the University of Georgia, Keni Harrison won the 100m hurdles in the fastest opener in history, dominating a strong field with a new personal best of 12.36. Her mark also ties her for the ninth fastest performance in history.

Harrison's mark improved upon her best time of 12.50 set last year, while winning by over half a second against former Kentucky teammate Jasmine Quinn, who's 12.97 effort is a NCAA leading time. Harrison's mark would have ranked her number three in the world last season.

After a tremendous indoor season, in which she ran four of the top eight fastest 60m hurdle races in the world, Harrison qualified for the final of the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Portland, only to finish in eighth place after hitting a hurdle early and never regaining her momentum. 

After her performance on Friday, Harrison was full of joy, thanked her coach and no looks ahead to even faster performances as the season starts to heat up.