Carr predicts bright future for hurdler Marshall

Veteran coach Michael Carr says the ceiling is high for newly crowned World Under‑20 100-metres hurdles bronze medallist Tiana Marshall and believes that the talented teenager is poised for even greater success in the years ahead.

Marshall, 18, delivered a strong performance at last week’s World Under‑20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, equalling her personal best of 12.97 seconds to secure the bronze medal. American Madeline Cooper won the event in a world‑leading 12.91, and South Africa’s Tumi Ramokgopa claimed silver in 12.96.

Carr, who has guided Marshall throughout her career at Wolmer’s Trust High School for Girls, said he was especially proud to see his athlete reach the podium on the global stage.

“That is a feeling that is very emotional because to get on the podium on a world stage is awesome, and it also shows that hard work pays off,” Carr said. “She is diligent, intelligent, and she responds well to instructions, so to get her to that level, I am feeling proud and happy, and I just wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”

Carr added that Marshall’s success was personally rewarding, reinforcing his belief that their work together continues to bear fruit.

“Personally, it gives me a sense of achievement. For me it shows that I was doing something right, and I will use her to help me going forward based on what we did and how we did what we did. It is a blueprint for me going forward.”

Marshall entered the championships as the fourth‑ranked Under‑20 hurdler in the world, and Carr said she was confident she would medal.

“She was very confident going into the event, and at one stage, we thought that we could have won it. However, all I wanted from her was to get on that podium, in whatever position, and with whatever medal.

“She went through the entire 2025 unbeaten, so this is her first loss for 2026 and her first loss in two years,” Carr stated. “She went into the championships as the fourth‑ranked Under‑20 hurdler in the world, and so the two persons who defeated her were the first‑ and second‑ranked hurdlers in the world.”

Carr also highlighted that Marshall’s performance was even more significant because she defeated the athlete ranked third in the world.

“She defeated the third‑ranked hurdler in the world to move onto the podium, and, therefore, she is now ranked number three in the world,” he shared. “I am happy that she was on the podium because this is a global event.”