New Balance Nationals Indoor: Top Events to Watch

The indoor track and field season reaches its pinnacle this weekend as the nation's best high school athletes converge at The Track at New Balance in Boston for the New Balance Nationals Indoor (NBNI). This championship meet is more than just another competition-it's the proving ground where state champions, record holders, and rising stars battle for national titles, personal bests, and even a shot at history.

Since its inception, NBNI has been the stage for unforgettable performances, from jaw-dropping sprint finishes to distance runners smashing all-time records. The state-of-the-art banked 200m track at the New Balance facility provides the perfect setting for elite-level competition, allowing for lightning-fast times and thrilling head-to-head showdowns. With national records in play across multiple disciplines, every race and field event promises high-stakes action.

This year's edition is stacked with talent, featuring national record holders, breakout stars and potential Olympians in the making. From the explosiveness of the 60m dash to the grueling endurance test of the 2-mile, from relay squads chasing all-time top-10 performances to the nation's best pole vaulters soaring to new heights, there is no shortage of must-watch moments.

With so much on the line, we break down five of the most compelling matchups on both the boys' and girls' sides-covering sprints, mid-distance, distance, relays, and field events-to give you a full preview of what to expect at NBNI 2025.

---

Sprints

Boys 200m

The boys' 200m at New Balance Nationals Indoor is set to be a thrilling showdown, featuring some of the fastest sprinters in the country.

Leading the way is U.S. #3 Braylin Byrd, one of only three athletes in the nation to break the 21-second barrier this season, with a blistering 20.99. He'll be looking to take the national title and possibly lower his time even further. Right behind him is U.S. #4 Jordaine Johnson, who has been dominant all season. With a season-best of 21.03, he remains undefeated in six 200m finals and will aim to keep that streak alive.

U.S. #6 Jesse Myers, the Pennsylvania state champion, has also been a force in the event. He holds a season-best of 21.08 and is undefeated in seven 200m finals this year, making him a serious contender for the win. Adding to the depth of this stacked field are U.S. #8 sprinters Dominic Harper and Connor Salmin, both clocking in at 21.24.

Another athlete to watch is U.S. #10 Cole Isaac Cramer, who boasts a time of 21.28. Not only is he a strong 200m runner, but he also ranks U.S. #2 in the 55m dash with a lightning-fast 6.24. His top-end speed could make a big difference in this race.

With such a loaded field, expect a battle down to the wire and the potential for some of these athletes to move up the national rankings.

Girls 60m

The girls' 60m at New Balance Nationals Indoor is set to be electric, with national record-holder Lisa Raye headlining a stacked field. The junior sensation leads the way as the U.S. #1 this season with her 7.13 performance at the Millrose Games, breaking the previous top mark of 7.16. With only one loss this season in a 55m or 60m dash final, she enters as the clear favorite.

Looking to challenge Raye will be U.S. #6 Dasia Reed, who has clocked a season-best 7.35. Also in contention are U.S. #8 runners Mayen Usoro and Payton Payne, both with season bests of 7.38, as well as U.S. #10 Mianna Mason, who has run 7.39.

Adding even more intrigue to the race is Elise Cooper, the nation's #2 200m runner and the #1 300m runner this season. Her speed over longer sprints could make her a serious threat in the final. Another contender to watch is Sariah Doresca, ranked U.S. #6 in the 55m dash this season. With a 60m PR of 7.45 and a 55m best of 6.86, she has the explosiveness to make a statement.

With so much talent on the track, the girls' 60m is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and thrilling events of the meet.

Mid-Distance

Boys 400m

The boys' 400m at New Balance Nationals Indoor is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated races of the weekend, as all eyes will be on the rematch between Quincy Wilson and Andrew Salvodon.

Wilson, the Bullis School (Md.) junior, is one of the most electrifying high school sprinters in history. He owns the national high school record for the 400m, both outdoors (44.20) and indoors (45.66), and represented Team USA at the Paris Olympics last summer. But in their last meeting, it was Bayside (Va.) senior Andrew Salvodon who stole the show.

Salvodon shocked the track world by defeating Wilson and setting the national record in the 500m with a blistering 1:00.49-the first high schooler ever to break 61 seconds. His dominant surge after 150m sealed the upset, and he'll be looking to prove that performance was no fluke.

But this isn't just a two-man race. U.S. #8 Jordaine Johnson, with his 47.07 PR and blazing 21.03 200m speed, will be a serious threat. His combination of speed and endurance could make him a dark horse to break into the top two.

U.S. #10 Jozef Miesak also enters with a 47.18 PR and an undefeated 400m record this season, including a Florida state title. If he keeps that winning streak alive, he could leave New Balance Nationals as the unexpected champion.

With Wilson out for revenge, Salvodon riding high on momentum, and a stacked field behind them, expect a thrilling, high-stakes showdown that could rewrite the record books once again.

Girls 400m

Distance

Boys 2-Mile

The boys' 2-mile at New Balance Nationals Indoor is stacked with some of the best distance talent in the country, featuring a deep field where any of the top contenders could emerge victorious.

Leading the way is U.S. #2 Juan Gonzalez, the only entrant in the field to have broken 9 minutes this indoor season with his 8:57.39. He's established himself as one of the nation's top distance runners and will look to cement that status with a national title. Close behind is U.S. #4 Tristan Yoder (9:00.61) and U.S. #5 Aiden Monistere (9:00.68), both knocking on the door of the sub-9 club. Monistere in particular has proven he can handle big races, coming off a clutch victory at the VA Showcase earlier this season.

Ryan Schmitt (U.S. #7, 9:04.30) leads a formidable trio from Christian Brothers Academy (NJ), including teammates Luke Hnatt (U.S. #15, 9:06.69) and Joe Barrett, who owns an impressive 8:52 PR outdoors. The depth of this training group could push them to a breakout performance.

U.S. #10 Nathaniel Assa (9:04.60) and U.S. #12 Keegan Smith (9:05.83) round out the field of national elites, each looking to make a statement against the best.

With multiple athletes capable of breaking 9 minutes and a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, expect a fast, strategic race where patience and a well-timed kick could be the difference-maker.

Girls Mile

The girls' mile at New Balance Nationals Indoor features a stacked field with some of the nation's top middle-distance runners, setting up what promises to be a thrilling race.

Leading the way is U.S. #3 Elin Latta, who has been one of the most consistent milers this season, running under 4:50 three times and owning a season-best of 4:43.92. She will be the favorite to take the title.

Not far behind is sophomore sensation Paige Sheppard of Union Catholic, who comes in with the U.S. #5 time of 4:44.49. Sheppard is undefeated in both the 1600m and mile this season, making her a serious contender.

Adding to the depth is U.S. #6 Hanne Thomsen (4:44.54) and U.S. #7 Chloe Huyler (4:44.70), both of whom have shown they can compete with the best. U.S. #10 Sophia Bendet (4:46.34) and U.S. #12 Sophia McInnes (4:46.98) will also be in the mix, with McInnes coming in undefeated in races from 1000m to the mile this season.

Libby Castelli (U.S. #14, 4:47.79) adds even more firepower to the field, while 2:07 800m runner Charlize-Trinity McKenzie could be a major threat if the race turns tactical and comes down to a finishing kick.

With so many elite competitors, this race is set up for a fast, dramatic finish that could produce one of the top mile times of the season.

Relays

Boys 4x400m

The boys' 4x400m relay at New Balance Nationals Indoor is shaping up to be one of the most electrifying races of the weekend, with several of the nation's fastest squads ready to battle for the title.

Leading the charge is U.S. #2 IMG Academy, fresh off their dominant performance at the Millrose Games, where they clocked a blistering 3:14.39. Their depth and consistency make them a formidable favorite heading into nationals.

Challenging them will be U.S. #4 Dudley (NC), who has posted a strong 3:15.42 this season. Their ability to perform under pressure will be key as they look to challenge for a podium spot.

Archbishop Carroll (DC), ranked U.S. #5, enters with a season-best of 3:15.86 and could be a dark horse contender. With several athletes from their national record-setting 4x200m squad likely doubling back, their combination of speed and relay chemistry could make them dangerous.

And then there's the wildcard - Bullis School (MD). While they don't have an official ranking in the event, they feature none other than Quincy Wilson, the Team USA Olympic gold medalist from last summer's 4x400m relay. If Wilson is on the anchor, expect fireworks and a potential chase-down finish.

With a mix of powerhouse programs and elite individual talent, this race could come down to the wire. Will IMG defend their Millrose dominance, or will another squad rise to the occasion and steal the national title?

Girls 4x400m

The girls' 4x400m relay at New Balance Nationals Indoor is set to be one of the most electrifying events of the meet, featuring some of the fastest relay squads in the nation.

Leading the way is U.S. #1 Bullis (MD), whose blistering 3:38.96 ranks as the third-fastest indoor time in history. Their powerhouse squad-likely consisting of Sydney Sutton, Morgan Rothwell, Kennedy Brown, and Chrishelle Campbell-has dominated this event all season and will look to cement their legacy with another national title.

Challenging them will be U.S. #3 Union Catholic (NJ), the top-ranked team from New Jersey. Their 3:41.19 clocking ranks ninth all-time, and they'll be led by standout performers Paige Sheppard, Taylor Aska, Sydney Chadwick, and Abriyah Thompson. The last time these two teams met at the Millrose Games, Bullis edged out Union Catholic in a thrilling showdown, 3:39.16 to 3:41.19, setting the stage for an anticipated rematch.

Also in the mix is U.S. #9 Motor City Track Club (MI), who have posted a strong 3:47.86, along with U.S. #13 Penn Charter (PA), coming in with a time of 3:49.42. Both squads will be looking to challenge the top teams and secure a spot on the podium.

With national rankings, history, and pride on the line, expect this race to be a thrilling battle to the finish.

Field Events

Boys High Jump

The boys' high jump at New Balance Nationals Indoor is set to be an intense showdown, with several of the nation's top jumpers battling for the title.

Leading the field is U.S. #2 Ryan Buskey, who has cleared a remarkable 7'2" this season. Buskey has been dominant, winning all 10 of his competitions and clearing 7 feet or higher on five occasions. His consistency and ability to rise to the occasion make him the favorite heading into the event.

Not far behind are U.S. #3-ranked jumpers Tommy Pringle and Elijah Harris, both with season-best clearances of 7 feet. Pringle, in particular, has been on fire, remaining undefeated this season while hitting 6'10" or higher three times. His ability to perform under pressure could make him a serious contender.

Derek Shimer, the U.S. #5 jumper, enters with a best of 6'11". He's riding a hot streak, winning his last five meets and recently setting his new personal best at the New England Indoor Championships. With momentum on his side, he could be peaking at the perfect time.

Also in the mix is U.S. #6 Cole Smither, who has cleared 6'10.75" this season.

With multiple seven-foot jumpers in the field, this competition could come down to the final attempts. Will Buskey continue his perfect season, or will someone else rise to the occasion and claim the national title?

Girls Weight Throw

Leading the field is U.S. #1 Vanessa Jones, who has dominated this season with nine wins and a best mark of 59' 2". She has been incredibly consistent, surpassing 57 feet in three straight competitions. Right behind her is U.S. #2 Gifty Bediako, who recently unleashed a massive personal best of 59' 1.75", nearly a four-foot improvement. Like Jones, she also boasts nine wins this season and will be a serious contender for the title.

U.S. #3 Meagan Ewers enters as the top returner from last year, where she finished as the national runner-up. With a season-best of 57' 1.5" and only one loss in the event this year, she will be looking to improve on last year's performance. Also in the mix are U.S. #4 Mia Hoskins (56' 9.75") and U.S. #5 Taylor McGinness (56' 3.5"), both of whom have been consistently among the top throwers all season.

Beyond the top five, there's even more depth in the field with U.S. #7 Jenna Olsen (55' 7.5"), U.S. #8 Amelia Bawcombe (55' 6.75"), and U.S. #9 Kim Beard (55' 5.25").

With so many top-ranked throwers in one competition, expect this to be an intense battle where every inch could make the difference in crowning a national champion.