FINAL RANKINGS:
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In what turned into arguably the greatest high school sprint season of all time, Harlan (Texas) junior Tate Taylor was at the forefront, leading the charge.
Taylor's 2025 season was one for the record books as he became the second and third-fastest high schoolers in history in both the 100m and 200m. A year removed from his breakout sophomore season, Taylor exceeded all expectations as a junior, setting up what could potentially be a historic senior year.
A Slice of History
Taylor's monumental season started way back in January during the indoor season, where he notched big PBs in the 60m and 200m, even winning a Nike Indoor Nationals title in the latter.
Once the outdoor season got underway, it was all gas and no brakes, with Taylor losing just two out of his 18 races, with his season culminating with a UIL title in both the 100m and 200m, running 9.92 and 20.14, which were both wind-legal marks.
His first sub-10 performance didn't just make him the first junior to ever accomplish the feat, but more importantly, it made him the fastest high schooler ever.
That's right, as a junior, Taylor moved past Creekside's (Fla.) Christian Miller, who ran 9.93 last APRIL.
Over 200m, couldn't quite get under 20 seconds, but his 20.14 was more than enough to become the third-second-fastest performer in prep history, and just the fourth to ever break 20.20 and the first to do so since 2016.
In his final high school meet of his season, Taylor won the 100m title at Nike Outdoor Nationals and finished fourth in the 200m.
Taylor is also the first and only athlete to be ranked inside the all-time top three in both the 100m and 200m, sitting No. 1 and No. 2 for now.
The Never-Ending Award Season
Along with his COROS Athlete of the Year honor, Taylor has been racking up the accolades as of late, being named both the Gatorade Texas Track & Field Player of the Year, as well as the National Player of the Year.
Just over a week ago, Taylor was surprised by his friends and family at a presentation at his high school. where he learned he was also named the national player of the year.
What's Next For Tate Taylor?
After the six months he just had, it wouldn't be surprising if Taylor opted for a little downtime ahead of his senior year, but it would also make sense if he wanted to test his luck against the pros later this month at the USA Outdoor Championships.
Regardless of which route he chooses, the 17-year-old has his final year of high school track on deck, and he's got some history to chase.
MileSplit50 Athlete Of The Year History:
2025 Outdoor AOY: Tate Taylor, Harlan (Texas)
2025 Indoor AOY: Cooper Lutkenhaus, Justin Northwest (Texas)
2024 XC AOY: Tam Gavenas, Philips Academy Andover (MA)
2024 Outdoor AOY: Quincy Wilson, Bullis School (MD)
2024 Indoor AOY: Quincy Wilson, Bullis School (MD)
2023 XC AOY: Drew Griffith, Butler (PA)
2023 Outdoor AOY: Issam Asinga, Montverde Academy (FL)
2023 Indoor AOY: Issam Asinga, Montverde Academy (FL)
2022 XC AOY: Kole Mathison, Carmel (IN)
2022 Outdoor AOY: Cade Flatt, Marshall County (KY)
2022 Indoor AOY: Will Sumner, Woodstock (GA)
2021 XC AOY: Colin Sahlman, Newbury Park (CA)
2021 Outdoor AOY: Hobbs Kessler, Ann Arbor Skyline (MI)
2021 Indoor AOY: Jaylen Slade, IMG Academy (FL)
2020 XC AOY: Parker Wolfe, Cherry Creek (CO)
2020 Outdoor AOY: No award (Covid year)
2020 Indoor AOY: Cameron Rose, Hickory Ridge (SC)
2019 XC AOY: Nico Young, Newbury Park (CA)
2019 Outdoor AOY: Matthew Boling, Houston Strake Jesuit (TX)
2019 Indoor AOY: Mario Heslop, Franklin Township (NJ)
2018 XC AOY: Liam Anderson, Redwood (CA)
2018 Outdoor AOY: Mondo Duplantis, Lafayette (LA)
2018 Indoor AOY: Brian Herron, Atlanta Lakeside (GA) l Rankings
