This past track season was a very exciting time for North Carolina track & field. We had National HS Champiions, Jr. National Champions, and multiple records set. There are multiple athletes, college & high school, who have continued their pursuit for excellence this summer. They will be competing next week, starting August 15th, in China at the World Jr. Games.
ATHLETES:
Gaby Mayo, SE Raleigh, most recently anchored the USA Jr. team to a new WORLD JR. RECORD in Eugene, OR. She is hoping to win 3 Gold medals at the games in the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m. Gaby surprised Bianca Knight in the 100 and 200 at nationals this summer. She ran the 4th fastest HS time ever run in the US in the 100m (11.14) and 6th fastest in the 200 (22.88) at Jr. Nationals. She even broke Marion Jones\' meet record in the 200m!
Brandon Jones, NC Central University, and Karjuan Williams, New Bern HS, will both be representing the US and NC in the 800m. Brandon, formerly of Independence HS in Charlotte, edged out Karjuan for the US Jr. title in a great race. Karjuan, a Louisiana transplant, had the fastest HS 800m time in the country this year, breaking 1:50 and setting a new NC state record.
Kamorean Hayes, of Harding University HS in Charlotte, also won National titles this year. She won both the HS national title and the Jr. National title this summer. Kamorean has been representing NC well for many years.
Patience Coleman, Southern Durham, will be representing NC and the USA in the high jump. Patience cleared 6\' this season and won the NON title and the Jr. National title. Patience needs one more inch to tie the state record.
Finally, Willie Perry, formerly of W. Caldwell, now running for the University of Florida will be running the 100, 200, and probably the 4x100. Willie had a breakout season at Florida, qualifying for the NCAA championships and finishing 5th in the 200m.
Good luck to all of these NC athletes as they represent the United States and North Carolina!