* Charlize-Trinity McKenzie, a standout and top contender in the 800m run.
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The outdoor track and field season is hitting its peak.
Nearly 5,000 athletes are set to compete at Adidas Track Nationals from June 14-16 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
The track at North Carolina A&T will be the stage for some of the most exciting performances of the season.
Among the throng of competitors are both emerging talents and returning stars. Here are seven athletes you should keep an eye on as the competition kicks off Friday.
Charlize-Trinity McKenzie, Cedarburg, WI
Events: 800m, mile
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The season has been full of successes for McKenzie, who has set PRs across the board in the 400m, 800m, 1,600m and mile.
She set her personal best for the mile at the Loucks Games with a time of 4:52.73 in early May, then followed just a few weeks later with a state championship in the 800m and a runner-up finish in the 400m.
McKenzie enters the 800m with a best of 2:08.20.
Gates Hinton, Fuquay-Varina HS, NC
Events: Discus
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Ranked fourth nationally in the discus with a mark of 206-9.5, he's the man to watch in the circle.
Consider his improvement from 2023. His personal best in the discus was 182-1. That represents over 20 feet improvement year-over-year. So can he break a meet record?
It sure looks like it. The current mark stands at 183-10.75, last set by Alan Austin.
Jaiya Patillo, Bellevue West High School, NE
Events: 400m
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This six-time national champion is barely finishing up her freshman year, but she already boasts a ton of accolades.
Patillo scored a state title in Nebraska in the 400m, hitting 55.45 on the clock.
Dawson Reeves, Christ School, NC
Event: 2K steeplechase
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The Duke signee will return to adidas Track Nationals with his sights set on the 2K steeplechase. Perhaps even a meet record?
He's ranked 12th nationally in the event with a time of 6:06.71 at the Spring into the Season Kickoff.
Reeves also holds the meet record for the 1,600m run, which he set in 2023 with a time of 4:16.37.
Sanaa Frederick, Druid Hills, GA
Events: 100m, 200m
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Adidas will be twinning this weekend as Sanaa and her sister, Sole Frederick, compete in the 100m and 200m.
Both are ranked within the top 20 performances nationally in each event.
Sanaa has had an impressive season, earning the U.S. No. 13 ranking in the 100m with a time of 11.45 seconds and a U.S. No. 6 mark in the 200m in 23.16, both of which gave her state titles in the Georgia Class 4A Championships.
Keayari Thompson, Westlake, GA
Events: 400m, 800m
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The Georgia athlete will enter adidas Track Nationals with expectations twofold.
First, in the 400m, where he is the fourth-seed with a PR of 46.92. He clocked a PR of 46.84 as a sophomore.
Second, as the top entry in the 800m. In April, he achieved a PR of 1:51.91 at the McEachern Invitational.
Thompson only recently has shown his potential in the half-mile, so this weekend's journey at the distance could be a statement.
Dana Wilson, Greensboro Day School, NC
Events: 200m
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The Greensboro junior has been on a remarkable run this year.
In May, she showcased her talents at the NCISAA Division II State Championships, delivering double gold with times of 11.26 seconds in the 100m and 23.24 in the 200m.
She's ranked in the top 10 nationally in both events, slotting in at U.S. No. 4 and U.S. No. 7, respectively.
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