Shakima Wimbley Closes Pan Am Games with Gold
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Shakima Wimbleypicked up a gold medal on Saturday night at the Pan American Games, helping the United States finish first in the women’s 4x400m relay.
The standout sophomore ran a strong third leg for Team USA, maintaining the American lead on the way to a gold medal finish. Texas A&M’s Shamier Little, Florida’s Kyra Jefferson, Wimbley and Texas’ Kendall Baisden combined for a time of 3:25.68 to claim the gold medal.
Wimbley helped lead USA to the top finish in the 4x400m semifinals, as the Americans finished in 3:26.40 with the Hurricanes’ standout performer serving as the third leg in the semis.
Saturday’s 4x400m relay gold medal is Wimbley’s second medal at the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto. The Hurricanes’ star finished second in the women’s 400m final with a time of 51.36 seconds, earning a silver medal. Baisden won the gold medal with a time of 51.27 seconds, giving Team USA the top two spots on the podium.
“Shakima competed extremely well today,” Miami director of track and field/cross country Amy Deem said following the 400m final. “She didn’t run the first 200 meters like we wanted, but she ran herself back into the race and won the silver medal. I’m proud of how she competed in her first 400m championship representing Team USA. This was a big moment for her.”
Wimbley earned her spot in the final after winningHeat 1 of the women’s 400m semifinals on Wednesday morning with a time of 52.28 seconds.
“This is one of my best experiences so far in track,” Wimbley said following the semifinal. “To represent my country and have a chance to medal is a dream come true.”
Wimbley’s journey to the Pan Am Games began shortly after her strong showing at the USA Championships. The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native was selected as member of Team USA and will compete in the 400m and the 4x400m relay.
“It’s an indescribable feeling,” WImbley said after being selected. “This is my first senior team and I am so excited to have been chosen. I am really looking forward to this experience. It should be fun competing with some of the best from the United States on the 4×4 team and having the chance to also earn an individual medal. It will also be my first time going out of the country. It’s going to be great. I am so excited and ready to go.”
Wimbley earned her spot on the Team USA Pan Am Games roster after an impressive showing at the USA Championships in late June. The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native reached the women’s 400m final, placing eighth in a loaded field with a time of 52.96 seconds.
The gifted sprinter had a memorable experience at the USA Championships, racing next to one of her track and field heroes in the opening round of the women’s 400m, Allyson Felix. While many would be intimidated to race next to one of the top runners in the world, Wimbley was excited about the opportunity to showcase her ability against the best quarter-milers in the country. The gifted sprinter finished second to Felix in Heat 1 with a time of 51.70 seconds, earning an automatic qualification to the semifinals.
Wimbley, who is one of two Hurricanes that competed at the USA Championships, earned one of the eight coveted spots in the 400m final after she placed fourth in Heat 1 of the semifinals with a time of 51.09. The sophomore was one of only two collegiate athletes to qualify for the 400m final, joined by Kendall Baisden of Texas.
Wimbley’s 2015 season has been filled with success. The superb sophomore earned a pair of First Team All-America honors, finishing fifth in both the 400m final and in the women’s 4x400m relay at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
Wimbley, who has NCAA’s fastest 400m time this season, 50.84 seconds, battled windy conditions over the first 200m of the final. Wimbley competed hard through the finish line, but came up short of her ultimate goal, placing fifth with a time of 52.08 seconds.
One of the most decorated runners in the country this year, Wimbley was the 2015 ACC Outdoor Champion in the 400m and 200m and was named the ACC Women’s Track MVP. Just days before the NCAA Championships, Wimbley was announced as the South Regional Women’s Track Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. She also qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championships in both the 400m and the 4x400m relay.
“I don’t look at it as having success,” Wimbley said. “I just go out each day trying to improve and be the best I can be. With doing that, I have been able to earn these outcomes.”
The 2015 Pan American Games will be held in Toronto, Canada from July 10-26.
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