Dumas, the Maxwell Sisters, and more: The Top Girls to watch at Nike Outdoor Nationals
One week after the NCAA Track and Field Finals in Eugene, the brightest stars in high school track and field are headed there, and the girls’ competition at Nike Outdoor Nationals promises to deliver some of the most exciting performances of the summer. Hayward Field has always been a place where young athletes introduce themselves to a national audience, and this year’s field is packed with athletes who have already shown they belong among the very best in the country.
The sprint events will feature several of the fastest young women in America, including a pair of sisters who have spent the season rewriting the national rankings.
Mia Maxwell enters the meet after putting together another impressive campaign. Her season best of 11.10 in the 100m and 22.62 in the 200m places her among the elite sprinters in the nation. Maxwell has built a reputation for rising to the occasion when the competition gets stronger, and Hayward Field provides the perfect stage for another memorable performance.
Alongside her is Mariah Maxwell, who has been one of the most dominant sprinters in the country this season. Her 11.11 over 100m and national-leading 22.25 in the 200m have made her one of the favorites whenever she steps onto the track. Watching the Maxwell sisters compete at the same meet always creates excitement because both athletes bring world-class speed and a fierce competitive spirit to every race.
One of the most intriguing athletes in Eugene will be Natalie Dumas. The versatile star enters Nike Outdoor Nationals ranked second nationally in the 400m hurdles and third in the 800m. Dumas has become known for her willingness to take on difficult challenges, and this weekend she is expected to pursue the demanding 400m and 400m hurdles double at the U20 level. Success in either event would be impressive. Attempting both speaks volumes about her confidence, fitness, and competitive mindset.
Another athlete drawing significant attention is Camryn Dailey. While many athletes spend years developing into national contenders, Dailey has already become one of the country’s best in eighth grade. Her season best of 51.58 in the 400m leads the nation, while her marks of 11.08 in the 100m and 22.73 in the 200m would make her a contender in any championship field. Every race she enters feels like a glimpse into the future of American sprinting.
The distance events feature an equally impressive collection of talent.
Ellery Lincoln arrives as the nation’s top-ranked miler after running 4:30 this season. Her ability to control races and maintain a strong pace from start to finish has made her one of the most respected distance runners in the country. She also sits second nationally in the 3000m, giving her multiple opportunities to leave Eugene with a national title.
Braelyn Combe has enjoyed a breakthrough season of her own. After running 4:37 for the mile and capturing a Nike Indoor Nationals title, she enters the outdoor championships with momentum and confidence. Championship racing often rewards athletes who know how to manage pressure, and Combe has already shown she thrives in those moments.
Blair Bartlett comes to Hayward Field as the national leader in the 3000m and one of the most accomplished distance athletes in the field. Her performance at the World Cross Country Championships, where she finished as the top American and placed 16th overall, demonstrated her ability to compete against elite international competition. Ellie Barada also returns with a championship pedigree. The defending Nike Outdoor Nationals champion and Nike Indoor Nationals champion has repeatedly shown that she knows how to win when the stakes are highest. Athletes with that kind of experience are always dangerous, regardless of rankings or seed times.
On the field, Jaslene Massey enters as the nation’s top-ranked discus thrower and third-ranked shot putter. Her consistency throughout the season has established her as one of the country’s premier throwers, and she will be looking to add another major title to her growing list of accomplishments.
Ava Kitchings continues to showcase her versatility as both a sprinter and a long jumper. As a Nike Elite Program alumna, she arrives with valuable experience competing on big stages and remains one of the most dynamic athletes in the field.
