Anthony Foster, Gleaner Writer

Two days before the start of the annual GraceKennedy/ISSA Boys and Girls' Championships, Millicent Gallimore-Bailey told her older daughter, Nikita Tracey, that her sister, Ristananna Tracey, would defeat her in the 400m hurdles open at the meet, but the response was "Mom, are you crazy?"

But, according to Gallimore-Bailey, her comment was just a joke, it was more of a motivation for both to finish one-two in the event for their school, Edwin Allen High.

Ristananna, although taking her mother's statement as a joke, really wanted to beat her sister, the more accomplished Nikita, a finalist in the event at last year's World Junior Championships.

"My aim was to beat her, but I have accepted the silver," Ristananna said after the event.

One-two finish

Despite those jokes, Nikita, the bronze medallist from last year's Carifta Games, remembered telling her sister before the race, "good luck and may the best person win".

"When they told me they were going to run the same race, I knew they were going to finish one-two," said their proud mother.

Nikita won the event in 57.41 seconds with Ristananna second in 58.49.

It was the first time two sisters were finishing one-two in the history of this event at Champs.

Ristananna added: "It feels extremely great, and I know my mom and coaching staff are very proud of me."

And yes, their mother, who watched the race on television, said she felt so good.

However, while Nikita also believes "it is a great feeling for my sister and I to finish one-two", she still would have been happy if Ristananna had won.

The placing came as no surprise to coach Michael Dyke, who deliberately kept them apart this season.

"We knew all along (they would finish one-two) and that's why we did not run them together all season," he said.

Personal best times

The times in the final were personal bests for both sisters and Nikita said it was her sister who pushed her to such a good time.

"I knew it was going going to be a stiff competition between my sister, Danielle Dowie and myself, so I went out and maintained my pace. I did not know I was going that fast, but I am very glad for my PR," she explained.

Nikita is already looking forward to next year.

"Both of us will remain at school, so hopefully we can come and take one-two again," she added.

Ristananna, not known as a hurdler, saw her personal best as a huge improvement.

She praised her sister.

"I credit my sister, because I train with her and it gives me the drive and motivation to do better."