Aasia Laurencin is poised to make history as she prepares to represent Saint Lucia at the 2025 World Indoor Championships, scheduled to take place from March 21-23, 2025, in Nanjing, China. The 22-year-old athlete will compete in the highly competitive women's 60m hurdles, standing as the lone representative from her island at this prestigious international event.
With her personal best time of 7.97 seconds, Laurencin currently holds the 15th ranking globally among competitors. Her upcoming challenge includes going head-to-head against elite athletes, including World Champion and world record holder Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas and European champion Ditaji Kambundji, who recently recorded the second-fastest time ever at the European Championships with 7.67 seconds.
Laurencin, who has spent her collegiate career with the University of Michigan Wolverines, has had a remarkable indoor season, having set the national record for the 60m hurdles not once but twice. Her outstanding performance at the NCAA Championships last weekend saw her finishing with times of 8.01 and 8.09 seconds, securing her position as one of the athletes to look out for at the championships.
According to Dora Henry, president of the Saint Lucia Athletics Association, this event marks significant progress for Saint Lucia's representation on the world athletics stage. “This milestone highlights Saint Lucia’s presence in world-class athletics, as Laurencin becomes one of the few athletes from the island to compete in the hurdles at this prestigious level,” she stated. “We extend heartfelt congratulations to Aasia Laurencin and Coach Steven Rajewsky on this remarkable accomplishment. We stand behind them as they prepare to represent Saint Lucia with excellence and determination in Nanjing.”
Laurencin's coach, Steven Rajewsky, has played a pivotal role in her development by shaping her technical skills and preparing her for this major competition. His support and expertise have helped navigate the rigorous demands of training, which have proved invaluable as Laurencin aims to deliver her best performance on the international stage.
Laurencin, who is the granddaughter of former St. Jude Hospital chief surgeon Denis Laurencin, has been adamant about pulling on the Saint Lucia uniform for several years. Her participation at the World Indoor Championships is not just a personal achievement; it signifies the potential for increased recognition of Saint Lucia athletes within the athletics community.
Over 127 countries and nearly 576 athletes are set to participate at this year’s championships, showcasing the diverse talent from around the globe. The expectations are high for Laurencin, whose debut on this grand stage is watched with anticipation not only by her coach and trainers but by the entire athletics community back home.
The opening heats for Laurencin are set to commence on March 23, 2025, at 6:25 AM Saint Lucian time, with hopes of qualifying for both semifinal and final rounds on the same day. Competing under such pressure is no small feat, but Laurencin’s recent successes suggest she is well-equipped to handle the spotlight.
With her track record and preparation, Laurencin symbolizes the spirit and determination of many young athletes from Saint Lucia. Her story resonates as she not only aims to contend for medals but also seeks to inspire future generations to follow their athletic dreams and represent their homeland. The support from Saint Lucia’s athletic bodies showcases the collective hope and pride placed upon her as she embarks on this significant international campaign.
Laurencin’s participation and skills will be closely watched as she lines up against some of the world's finest hurdle athletes. This championship could be just the beginning for Laurencin, as she paves the way for more Saint Lucian athletes to compete at elite levels.
