Kadia Rock after winning adidas Track Nationals in 53.46
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One of the biggest matchups, and rematches, of adidas Track Nationals was Kadia Rock (Spire Academy, OH) versus Natalie Dumas (Eastern Regional, NJ) squaring off in the Championship 400m. Last year Dumas took the win in 53.66 with Rock finishing 2nd at 54.66.
Rock held a seasons best of 53.51 to sit at US#7 this season and Dumas had run US#9 this season at 53.68. Rock would have the preferred lane 5 with the faster SB with Dumas on her outside in lane 6.
They'd go off with Rock looking about even as the stagger would be made up over the first two turns before the break at 150m. Dumas would have a narrow lead at the break as both athletes would have to cut down to lane 1 down the homestretch to go into bell lap, but they wouldn't be alone. Louisiana State Champion Jaleyia Woods (Woodlawn) was out well in lane 2 and would hold position as they went into the final lap through the turn.
It was Woods on the inside, Rock on the outside, and Dumas out in lane 2 trying to get around both while having to run extra distance. Both Rock and Dumas would pull ahead of Woods down the backstretch, but Rock would pull ahead of Dumas going into the final turn. She'd continue to pull ahead as she powered through the line in a new personal best of 53.46 to break Dumas' Meet Record of 53.66 from last years matchup. While a personal best, her time remains at US#7 from this indoor season.
Dumas would take 2nd in 54.35 with Taylor Jenkins (Western Branch, VA) passing Woods for third in 55.06 to 55.62.
