The University of Georgia freshman, Adaejah T. Hodge, found a late surge in the Diamond League100m final on July 4, 2026, but was edged by reigning world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (10.78) and 2023 World Champion Sha'Carri L. Richardson (10.79). Photo: YouTube

Virgin Islands sprint phenom Adaejah T. Hodge made her Diamond League debut in an emphatic fashion in Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday, July 4, 2026, defeating American Sha'Carri L. Richardson en route to winning her heat in the Women's 100m and then taking a podium finish in the final. Photo: YouTube

The University of Georgia freshman, who recently landed an endorsement deal with Nike, found a late surge in the 100m final but was edged by reigning world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (10.78) and 2023 World Champion Sha'Carri L. Richardson (10.79).

Hodge, who has run the fastest time in the Women's 100m this year, 10.63, clocked 10.80 for third place.

Superb performance

The Virgin Islands athlete was still able to take the scalps of Jamaica's Jonielle Smith, Shericka Jackson and Tina Clayton, the United States' Shawnti Jackson, Nigeria's Favour Ofili and Great Britain's Dina Asher-Smith.

Earlier, Hodge edged out Richardson in heat one at Hayward Field, clocking 10.82 seconds (wind: -0.2) to hold off the hard-charging U.S. track and field superstar at 10.83. Hodge had made headlines at the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, clocking a world lead of 10.63 to break Richardson's old collegiate record of 10.75. 

Jefferson-Wooden won the second heat yesterday in a time of 10.95.

Hodge, Jefferson-Wooden, and Richardson were the only athletes to go under 11 seconds in the heats.