American sprinter Anavia Battle shocked the world by defeating two-time world champion Shericka Jackson in the 200m at the 2025 Diamond League in Xiamen .
Battle crossed the finish line in 22.41 seconds, leaving Jackson trailing at 22.79—a significant 0.38-second margin.
The rise of Anavia Battle
Born on March 28, 1999, in Inkster, Michigan, Anavia Battle discovered her passion for sprinting early. She attended Wayne Memorial High School before moving on to Ohio State University, where she graduated with a degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. Her journey in track and field began in seventh grade, and by 2017, she had already made waves as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
Battle’s specialty is the 200-meter dash, where she thrives on the adrenaline of rounding the curve. Off the track, she enjoys unwinding with movies, but it’s her relentless drive on the oval that has set her apart. Over the years, she has steadily climbed the ranks, proving herself against elite competitors like Sha’Carri Richardson and now Shericka Jackson.
Career highlights and achievements
Battle’s career is decorated with impressive performances at every level. She holds personal bests of 11.17 in the 100m, 21.95 in the 200m, and 7.24 in the 60m indoor event. Her versatility and speed have earned her spots in prestigious competitions, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she finished 16th overall.
One of her standout achievements came at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials, where she secured a bronze medal. The following year, she added another bronze to her collection at the NCAA Outdoor Championships while representing Ohio State. Her dominance in collegiate track was undeniable—she amassed 21 title wins in the 100m and 200m during her senior year, including an undefeated 11-0 streak in the 100m.
Before her professional breakthrough, Battle was already a decorated junior athlete. In 2017, she claimed gold at the Midwest Meet of Champions with a time of 11.93 in the 100m. Her consistency and ability to perform under pressure have made her one of the most exciting sprinters to watch.
A historic win at the 2025 Diamond League
Battle’s victory over Shericka Jackson in Xiamen was nothing short of spectacular. Despite Jackson’s strong start, Battle surged ahead in the final 80 meters, leaving the Jamaican champion in her wake. The race concluded with Battle setting a new meet record (22.41) and Jackson settling for second, followed by American sprinter Jenna Prandini.
In a post-race interview, Battle admitted to feeling nervous, as this was her first 200m race of the season.
“This is my opener. I was so nervous because I had not run a 200 yet, but I am happy I did it here. Really good competition. It had a really good feel. It was great. That 15-hour flight hurt, but I had to suck it up and get out here and compete,” she said.
“Me and my coach have been working on the first half of the race for my 100 m so I feel like that has helped a lot. We are going to Shanghai next. Get some rest before Shanghai. Then back home,” She further added.
Anavia Battle’s triumph over Shericka Jackson signals a potential shift in women’s sprinting. As she prepares for upcoming competitions, the track and field world will be watching closely.