DEVONSHIRE, Bermuda, May 21 — Former junior star Olivia Baker is aiming to open her outdoor campaign in the 800-meters with a victory when she competes at the USATF Bermuda Grand Prix on Sunday, 21 May.
Baker, who secured medals in the 400m at both the World Youth and World Junior Championships in 2013 and 2014, has already made an appearance this outdoor season. The American finished fifth in a road/track 600m race at the adidas Atlanta City Games on 6 May.
The upcoming USATF Bermuda Grand Prix presents an opportunity for Baker to continue her preparations for the women’s 800m event as she looks to make the U.S. team to the World Championships. – Read More: How can you watch the 2023 Seiko Golden Grand Prix?
Although she has already competed twice in this event during the indoor campaign, this will be her first outdoor foray in the discipline.
Baker’s personal best time of 1:58.05 sets her apart from her competitors, making her the sole sub-two minute 800m runner in this weekend’s race. Notably, she has consistently clocked times faster than 1:59:00, firmly establishing her prowess in the event.
The 26-year-old athlete had a promising 2022 season, with all eight of her fastest career times falling below the two-minute mark during this campaign.
Joining Baker on the starting line of the women’s 800m at the USATF Bermuda Grand Prix will be a formidable field of competitors. Among them is fellow American Emily Brooks-Richards, who boasts a season best time of 2:00.82 and a personal best of 2:00.20.
The race will also feature Kendra Chambers from the United States, Hannah Segrave from Great Britain, the bronze medalist at the 2017 European U23 Championships, Susan Aneno representing Uganda, and Jazmine Fray, the 2018 NCAA champion from Jamaica.
