Twin telepathy was strong at the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships, as favourites Mia and Mariah Maxwell punched their tickets to the women’s 100m final at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, on Wednesday (5 August).
Mia powered to the fastest time in the women’s 100m semi-finals in 11.13 seconds. Mariah qualified as the fifth fastest at 11.25, with Jamaican rising stars Shanoya Douglas and Theianna-Lee Terrelonge occupying second and third places at 11.201 and 11.206.
“I’m ready for the final now,” Mia Maxwell told reporters after her semi-final. “I’m ready to run fast.”
Asked what was it’s been like to compete alongside her sister in Eugene, Mia added, “Having her here in the dorms as my roommate and being able to share this important moment with her [has] been special. Its crazy.”
While not quite as fast as her sister, Mariah was happy just to have got the job done and advanced to the final. “Mission accomplished, made it to the finals,” she commented. “I had a pretty good day today.
“This championship is very special. I feel like it is perfect having the competition in the US and having my fellow Americans makes everything a lot easier.”
Switzerland’s Xenia Buri was also in a joyous mood, having run a U20 national record in the second heat, advancing to the final fourth fastest in 11.23.
“My big goal was to qualify for the final. I was really nervous, but I am so happy and glad that it worked out. I am over the moon to be in a world championship final,” she said in the mixed zone.
“My big goal is to run a personal best. I just have to have fun and do my best,’ Buri added. “It is amazing that I already have the national record, so every race can be a new national record 1785985686.”
Italy’s Kelly Doualla Edimo (11.36), Saint Lucia’s Jady Emmanuel (11.42) and Germany’s Emma Goretzka (11.40) and Lena Anochili (11.47) will join the top five in the final, which is scheduled to be run at 20:35 local time (UTC -7) on Thursday (6 August).