• Also third in LSU history, fourth in Nigeria
Reigning National Sports Festival double sprint champion, Tima Godbless, at the weekend, delivered a sensational performance at the Tyson Invitational, clocking a personal best of 7.08 seconds in the 60m final to secure the fastest time of the meet.
The electrifying run places her third in the world, third in Louisiana State University (LSU) history, fourth in Nigerian history, and 10th in NCAA Division I history, cementing her status as one of the top collegiate sprinters in 2025.
The Nigerian first set the tone by winning her semifinal heat in 7.14 seconds before taking her performance to another level in the final, displaying her rapid improvement and ability to rise to the occasion.
Godbless’s breakthrough at Tyson Invitational is part of an impressive seasonal progression that highlights her steady climb toward elite status. She opened her season at the LSU Purple Tiger Meet (January 17) with 7.48s in the heats before improving to 7.22s.
At the Razorback Invitational (January 31 – Feb 1), she further refined her form, running 7.34s and 7.30s. By the New Mexico Collegiate Classic (February 7-8), her consistency was evident, clocking 7.24s in the prelims before dropping to 7.14s in the semifinals.
Now, with her 7.08s at Tyson, she has firmly established herself as a top contender for the NCAA Championships. Additionally, her strength in the 200m has been noteworthy, improving from 23.52s at Razorback to 23.19s in New Mexico, signaling strong speed endurance.
With each race, Godbless is proving that she is one of the most exciting young sprinters in collegiate track. Her ability to consistently lower her times and deliver under pressure suggests that sub 7.00s could be within reach.
As the indoor season progresses, all eyes will be on her as she continues to improve, aiming for greater achievements in both the NCAA and international sprinting ranks.
She has now moved joint fourth with Endurance Ojokolo in the Nigerian all-time list. Only the trio of Chioma Ajunwa (7.02), Christy Opara-Thompson (7.02) and Gloria Asunmnu (7.07) ran faster.
