The University of Mississippi Athletics
Hicks Claims World Junior Title
7/22/2002 | Track and Field
July 22, 2002
KINGSTON, Jamaica - Ole Miss rising sophomore Antwon Hicks shattered his personal best mark en route to claiming the 110-meter hurdle title at the IAAF World Junior Championships on Sunday. Hicks, who clocked in at 13.42, also set a new Ole Miss school record, breaking his previous mark of 13.59.
Hicks, who placed fifth at the NCAA Championships this spring, entered the meet with the third fastest junior time in the world, but defeated the world leaders to take the title. Hicks defeated China's Dongpeng Shi, the world leader, by nearly two tenths of a second in the finals.
"This is a significant victory for Antwon," said Ole Miss head coach Joe Walker. "Once again, he has proven that he can step up to the challenge. Antwon really seems to perform at his best when the pressure to win is at its greatest.
"Many kids have the physical talent to perform well, but Antwon has that special mental ability to rise to the top when the pressure is on. That is a trait that is very difficult to teach."
Hicks, a native of Hot Springs, Ark., is the first individual in Ole Miss history to win a title at the World Junior Championships. He joins Greg Saddler, who won gold as a member of the 4x100-meter relay, as Rebel gold medal winners at the World Junior Championships.