Akala Garrett, the reigning USATF U20 champion in the women's 400-meter hurdles representing Harding University High and Purpose Driven Elite in North Carolina, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss competing internationally for the first time Aug. 2-4 at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia. Garrett, 17, is ranked No. 3 among World U20 competitors this year at 57.46 seconds. She won the Nike Indoor title in the 60-meter hurdles in March at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex on Staten Island, then captured both the 100-meter hurdles and 400 hurdles championships in June at Nike Outdoor Nationals at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. Garrett became the first female athlete to win the 100 hurdles and 400 hurdles at the same national meet since Kendell Williams achieved the feat in 2010. She examines how significant it is for the Americans to be able to compete at the meet this year, since the U.S. did not attend the World U20 Championships last year in Nairobi, Kenya. Garrett also reflects on the legacy of American medalists in the women's 400 hurdles at the World U20 Championships, including fellow North Carolina standout Anna Cockrell of Providence Day being the last champion representing the U.S. in 2016 in Poland. She also analyzes the potential challenges she could face from World U20 leader Moa Granat of Sweden (57.12) and Alessia Seramondi of Italy (57.29), along with returning champion Heidi Salminen of Finland (56.94) and last year's bronze medalist Savannah Sutherland of Canada (57.27), as well as American teammate Michaela Rose (57.62). Garrett also speaks about the potential to be included on the U.S. 4x400 relay that competes Aug. 5-6. She expresses gratitude for the opportunity to be teammates with Kaylyn Brown of Mallard Creek, also representing Purpose Driven Elite, as well as sharing her excitement for the opportunity to create new friendships with teammates. Garrett explains how valuable the coaching and guidance has been from her mother LaSonja Collins, along with how significant a role her faith has played throughout her career, especially this year with the passing of her uncle Dr. Eric Ward, and how her mental toughness and resolve have been tested throughout the season. She also shares her decision to verbally commit to Texas during her junior year and her excitement to collaborate with and be mentored by Longhorns coach Edrick Floreal, in addition to her ambition to study communications.