Aneisha Ingram of Edwin Allen could not have asked for a better start to her 2,000-metre steeplechase career at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships.

Though it was not her first time competing at the championships, it was her first time contesting the gruelling, five-lap obstacle event at the showpiece event.

And an even more impressive feat for Ingram was the fact that she toppled her teammate and defending champion Jeima Davis in commanding fashion.

Her victory in the event took many by surprise at National Stadium on Thursday’s third day, as she made a post-to-post effort which crippled the field in coming away with the gold medal in a time of 7:07.02 minutes.

She won ahead of Samantha Pryce (7:09.35) of Holmwood Technical and Davis (7:17.89).

Despite being some way outside the six-year-old record of 7:01.07 held by Desreen Montaque of Edwin Allen since 2012, Ingram, a first-year Class One athlete, could get a lot closer with time.

But for now the 17-year-old is content with her performance as she credited her high-level preparation for her runaway victory.

“I am very grateful and happy. I am so thankful to God because I knew all the hard work that I did would have to pay off, and it did. so I just want to thank God, thank my coaches and my family for the support, and I am very grateful.

“It feels absolutely awesome. I get to take home a gold medal to my mom and dad and I am very happy. I am not sure how we will celebrate, but I am sure they will work something out,” the beaming Ingram told the Jamaica Observer after catching her breath.

Ingram pointed out that she drew some motivation from the fact that she was lining up against her teammate Davis, who she knew would be a tough contender.

“Being that she (Davis) is my training partner I get to be around her a lot, and she is very much elated that we came first and third. Even though we are on the same team, I am sure we both wanted the gold medal and that kind of makes us rivals.

“So I knew with her in the race I had to come out and give my best if I wanted to be number one, so I just came out here with my ‘A’ game to win, knowing that she and other competitors were coming to put up a good fight,” she shared.

“I just want to keep doing my best and perform as best as possible for my team all the way. I am expected to do well for my team and I put my team before myself, so I just had to ensure that I go out there and get the points that my team needs,” Ingram ended.