INDEX:
1. Erriyon Knighton
Tampa Hillsborough, FL
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Knighton currently has the world's eighth fastest time for 200 meters.
Now that's impressive.
Granted, there has been less track and field this spring and summer due to concerns over COVID-19, but the point remains: What Knighton accomplished this week at the AAU Junior Olympic Games will be remembered for a long time.
One AAU national record, two other clas marks, two US No. 1s, and some very fast times. Few would question his performance as the best from the Games this week.
The 16-year-old Tampa Hillsborough High School rising junior ran a wind-legal time of 20.33 seconds for 200 meters, flying into the homestretch like some rocket-powered vessel. His performance ultimately set new sophomore class and 16-year-old age group records. But it also set in motion some interesting comparisons.
His 200m time was just 0.20 seconds shy of Usain Bolt's World U18 record of 20.13 that was set in 2003. To some, that's a lot of time. But Knighton is also just 16 years of age, so he has one more year to potentially surpass that mark.
He wasn't done, either. Knighton would also go on to set a US No. 1 time for 100 meters, racing across the finish in a wind-legal 10.29 seconds.
HONORABLE MENTION:
- Jackson Cantwell, Blue Thunder Track Club, Nixa, MS: Cantwell set a national record in the 12-year-old shot put and also claimed a win in the discus.
- Marcus Ford, Peak Performance Warriors, Homestead, FL: The 8-year-and-under athlete won the 100m, 200m and 400m.
- David Foster, Katy Tompkins/Greater Houston Track Club, TX: Foster won the boys 17-18 division 100m and was a member of his club's 4x100 win.
- Bryce McCray, George Ranch/Greater Houston Track Club, TX: Foster won the 400mH, medaled in the 400m and contributed to his team's gold in the 4x400.
- Brooklyn Ross, Long Beach Sprinters, CA: The 11-year-old won the 100m, 200m and 400m.
- Cooper Mack, Watertown, SD: Mack was the only shot putter to break 60 feet, winning the event with a mark of 61-5.75.
- Zane Forist, Carson City-Crystal, MI: He won the discus with a throw of 187-7.