NSC congratulates Springer on World Junior bronze

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has congratulated 18-year-old Tianna Springer on her historic bronze-medal performance in the women’s 400m at the World U20 Championships on Friday evening in Oregon, USA, ending Guyana’s 14-year wait for a medal at the global junior championships.

Springer, who hails from the village of Plaisance, produced a strong run in the final, clocking 51.76s to secure third place behind Poland’s Anastazja Kus, who won in 51.06s, and American Ataja Stephanie-Vazquez, who finished second in 51.36s.

Her bronze marks Guyana’s first World U20 medal since Kadecia Baird captured silver in Barcelona, Spain, in 2012. Baird’s achievement was also Guyana’s first-ever medal at the championships, which began in 1986 in Athens, Greece.

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle said the entire country is “extremely proud” of Springer’s achievement, noting that her latest success is the result of a remarkable journey that began at the National Schools Championships.

“Tianna has always been a special talent. From her days competing at the National Schools Championships, she has demonstrated that she possesses something special, and we have watched her develop into one of Guyana’s leading young athletes,” Ninvalle said.

He added that Springer’s performance on the world’s biggest stage for her age group should serve as an inspiration to young athletes across Guyana, particularly girls, showing that there is a pathway to reaching the highest level in sport.

“Tianna’s success should inspire every young athlete, especially our girls, to believe that they can reach the top of their discipline. She has shown that with talent, dedication, hard work and the right support, the pathway to the highest level is possible,” Ninvalle noted.

Springer is now continuing her development at the University of Georgia, where she pursuing her academic and athletic ambitions while building on an already outstanding junior career.

Ninvalle pointed to the consistency of Springer’s achievements, describing her record as one-of-a-kind for Guyana.

The Plaisance athlete has won four consecutive CARIFTA Games 400m titles from 2023 through 2026. She is also a 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games champion and the 2023 South American U20 400m champion and record holder.

He said the NSC, and by extension the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Government of Guyana remain proud of Springer and is committed to supporting her continued development.

Springer’s bronze in Oregon has not only restored Guyana to the World U20 medal podium after 14 years, but has also added another significant chapter to the country’s growing athletics success.