Shenese Walker upsets Adaejah Hodge in 100m at NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships; Maiden NCAA title in final season.

2026 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships: Jamaica’s Shenese Walker upsets Adaejah Hodge for 100m title

The Jamaican sprinter claims her maiden NCAA title in her final collegiate 100m, denying newly minted collegiate record-holder and British Virgin Islands Olympian Hodge.

Third time proved the charm for Jamaica’s Shenese Walker .

The Florida State senior kept her focus firmly on the finish line to claim the women’s 100m title at the 2 026 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships , winning the race in 10.88 in her third and final NCAA campaign over the distance.

Walker entered the final overshadowed by British Virgin Islands Olympian Adaejah Hodge , who made headlines in the preliminary rounds by clocking a collegiate-record 10.63, breaking Sha’Carri Richardson’s previous mark of 10.75 set in 2019.

But the final belonged to Walker.

The 23-year-old, who qualified third fastest for the championship race, delivered when it mattered most, crossing the line first in 10.88. Hodge finished second in 10.93, unable to reproduce her record-breaking form, while the USA’s Shawnti Jackson took third in 11.01.

Walker said she paid little attention to the hype surrounding her rivals heading into the final.

“I would say I’m the type of athlete you have to beat on the day,” she said. “I’m very confident. I don’t really watch what my competitors do. Staying focused on myself and executing was the easiest thing I could have done.”

The victory was especially meaningful for Walker, who finally reached the top of the podium in her final collegiate season.

“I’m a senior, so it definitely took a while,” she said. “It’s my third time here in the 100 meters, and I mastered it now, I would say.”

The NCAA title provides a fitting send-off as Walker prepares to move into the professional ranks.

“I’m ready to transition to the professional level,” she said. “I have to learn how to focus on myself, because everyone is fast.”

Walker also took a moment to celebrate her home nation after the victory.

“Big love to Jamaica,” she said. “Speed capital.”

NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships 2026 - Full schedule, all finals race results, times, and standings

Athletics: Ja’Kobe Tharp sets blistering new 110m hurdles world record - “I’m speechless, seriously”

Picture by USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect