Jamaica’s Andrenette Knight produced a stellar performance at the Rome Diamond League, clocking a Season’s Best (SB) of 53.67 seconds to win the women’s 400m hurdles.
Knight held her composure over the barriers to outpace Italy’s Ayomide Folorunso, who also registered a 54.21s to finish second, much to the delight of the home crowd. Completing the podium was Knight’s compatriot, Rushell Clayton, who crossed the line in 54.31s.
This win marks a significant step in Andrenette Knight’s ongoing journey toward global athletics glory. In 2023, Knight had signaled her intent at the JAAA/PUMA National Senior and Junior Championships, where she finished second in the final with a then-season’s best of 53.78s, following an impressive personal best of 53.39s in a tune-up meet. Despite narrowly missing out on a medal at the World Championships that year, she has steadily built on those performances.
Earlier this season, Knight finished a strong second to Dutch superstar Femke Bol at the Rabat Diamond League, clocking 53.90s as Bol stormed to victory in 52.46s. Italy’s Folorunso also impressed in that race, placing third in 54.74s.
Meanwhile, Rushell Clayton continues to craft her own compelling story in the 400m hurdles. The 2023 World Championships bronze medalist opened her 2025 campaign with a stunning victory at the Rabat Diamond League, overcoming a clipped final hurdle to post a remarkable 53.56s, the fastest season opener of her career. That win came on the heels of a memorable 2023 season where she shattered Jamaica’s national record with a time of 52.81s.
With the 2025 World Championships looming, the rivalry between Knight, Clayton, and the world’s best hurdlers is intensifying.
As the Diamond League circuit continues, all eyes will be on these Jamaican stars to see who will emerge as the queen of the 400m hurdles on the world stage.
