WORLD Athletics Championships bronze medallist Rushell Clayton produced an outstanding performance to win the women’s 400m hurdles event at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational meet at the National Stadium last evening.

Clayton clocked a world-leading time of 53.72 seconds to win the event ahead of the fast-finishing Anna Cockrell of the USA in 53.76s. Clayton’s compatriot Shian Salmon finished third in 54.57.

Clayton, who led from start to finish, said she was pleased with her performance because she ran a well-executed race.

“I was working on my steps, and I think that I got it close to perfect and I ran a decent time,” she said. “I am so happy that I got to somewhere that I want to be, but a win is a win and I am so grateful and thankful for that.

“It felt amazing out there because I was at the 200m point and I was saying can I take it more, and I tried my best and I know that my coach will be happy.”

Clayton said the field was strong and is glad that she was able to win.

“These ladies are who I compete with all the time here in Jamaica and abroad so it is an amazing feeling to come here and beat the best in world, which makes you the best in the world. I am looking [forward] to the season because this is an Olympic year and I am feeling very excited about that.”

Jamaica’s Malik James-King produced a personal best time of 48.39s to win the men’s 400m hurdles event. Kyron McMaster of British Virgin Islands was second in 49.00s, while third went to Jaheel Hyde of Jamaica in 49.48s.

USA’s Alexis Holmes won the women’s 400m in 50.31s, while teammates Brittany Brown and Na’Asha Robinson took second and third in 51.21 and 51.81, respectively.