Anavia Battle is an American sprinter who hogged the limelight after her heroics at the Shanghai Diamond League 2024, which was scheduled on April 27, Saturday.
Battle produced a superb performance at the Shanghai Stadium, racing past the 2023 World Championships gold medalist Sha'Carri Richardson to finish second in the women's 200m event with a run time of 22.99 seconds. Even though it was far off from her personal best in the 200m (21.95 seconds), she was able to leave a mark on the international stage.
Battle couldn't catch up with the two-time Bronze medalist Daryll Neita who touched the finishing line at just 22.62 seconds. However, she was able to hand another disappointment to Richardson who was eying a gold, especially after her shocking defeat at the Xiamen Diamond League earlier this month to the 19-year-old Australian sensation, Torrie Lewis.
With all this said, let's dig deeper into the journey of the 25-year-old Michigan native who clinched the second position at the Shanghai Diamond League 2024 Women's 200m.
Anavia Battle's family and hometown
Battle was born in Inkster, Michigan, on March 28, 1999, to Antoinette Booze-Battle. She also has three siblings - Mintoria, Antoine, and Montel.
Anavia Battle Education
Battle did her schooling at the Wayne Memorial High School in Michigan. After completing her schooling, Battle was admitted into Ohio State University during which she also competed for its collegiate team, Ohio State Buckeyes. She was graduated in 2021 with a degree in human development and science.
Anavia Battle: Other achievements
In her short career till now, Battle has produced some impressive performances, be it at the collegiate level or international level. During her time with the Ohio State Buckeyes, she clinched the Big 10 Championships title at the 100m and 200m events.
Battle also has a collegiate record for Ohio State in the 200m event indoors with a run time of 22.66. She was named the Big Ten Track Athlete of the Year four times in her career, including both the indoor and outdoor events.
At the age of 21, Anavia Battle qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after finishing third at the trials. Her run time of 21.95 seconds in the 200m event at the Olympic trials was just behind Gabby Thomas (21.61) and Jenna Prandini (21.89). During her time in Tokyo, the Michigan native qualified for the semifinals of the 200m.