Nickisha Pryce is currently on cloud nine. Representing the Arkansas Razorbacks, the young sprinter from Jamaica has shattered the NCAA record in 400m. Coming from a land-bearing rich track and field heritage, Pryce made her mark early on at the age of 14. Clinching the silver medal at the U16 Clarendon Jamalco Development Meet, Pryce made the 400m discipline her focus. Success soon followed as she won the 2023 Jamaican Championships which got her the opportunity to represent her nation at the World Championships. 

However, Pryce’s recent antics are by far her biggest career achievement. She not only registered the NCAA record but also got the National record and the World Lead at the same time. Interestingly, en route to greatness, Nickisha Pryce reignited the longstanding USA-Jamaica rivalry as she dethroned Britton Wilson. 

Nickisha Pryce emerges as the new NCAA 400m superstar 

Britton Wilson, a fellow Razorback, clinched the 400m record back in May 2023. She ran 49.13s, which was considered an impressive dash at the college level. However, lurking in the shadows was Nickisha Pryce, who came out all guns blazing to record a stunning time of 48.89s in 2024. 

The Track & Field Gazette instantly took note of such dominance on the tracks. They uploaded the winning moment and captioned it saying, “History for 🇯🇲 Nickisha Pryce!!!!!! Watch her run a blistering 48.89s to win the NCAA women’s 400m title in Oregon. NCAA RECORD ☑️  NATIONAL RECORD ☑️  WORLD LEAD ☑️”

In what was a happy outing for Nickisha Pryce, her glory was not the only caveat she received. Running alongside teammates Rosey Effiong, Amber Anning, and Kaylyn Brown, the Arkansas Razorbacks swept through the top four positions. The NCAA Outdoor Championship witnessed further magic from the quartet as the team also emerged victorious in the 4x400m relays clocking 3:17.9s. With the new queen settling on the throne, previous champion Britton Wilson would be itching to topple her once again. 

Is Britton Wilson coming for Pryce’s record? 

Britton Wilson is no bunny on the track. Her maiden appearance at the World Athletics Championships in 2022 saw her clinch the fifth position. Her biggest achievement came on March 11, 2023, when she set the indoor record in the 400m dash in Albuquerque. Wilson also has an impressive 400m hurdles personal best of 53.08s. 

And although she has now lost her outdoor record, a 49.13s is by no means unimpressive. Thus, with renewed vigor, Wilson is expected to chase the NCAA record once again. And if she can replicate her 2022 Eugene gold medal-winning form, Wilson just might put the USA ahead once again in the evergreen rivalry.