Hazelwood West (MO) graduate Justin Robinson ('20) netted an impressive 400 meter victory at the Miramar Invitational on Saturday in Florida, authoring the sixth-fastest performance in the world in 45.23 seconds.
While things were less than certain from the start, the 19-year-old came on in the back half of the race, overcoming strong starts from second-place Will London (45.31) and third-place Kahmari Montgomery (45.39) as he scorched to the line against a professional field.
It marked another important victory for Robinson, who was racing for the first time since August when he clocked the 2020 season's top time at 44.91. He has yet to sign professional contract, or with an agent.
Perhaps beyond the performance, it showed that Robinson could be a threat to earn a spot on the men's U.S. Olympic team. And yet, the Missouri native wasn't the only U20 athlete who impressed, either.
Oakland Park Northeast graduate and Jamaican International Briana Williams -- the current high school girls national record holder in the 100m -- ran an all conditions 200m time of 22.93 (+2.3) to finish sixth in a field that saw winner Jenna Prandini walk away with the victory in 22.29.
In the men's 200m, IMG Academy's Jaylen Slade fourth in 20.53 (+4.0), finally coming back down to earth after incredible performances over the last several weeks. Kenny Bednarek won the race in a blistering 19.65.
St. Thomas Aquina's Eddiyah Frye was 11th in the 100mH prelims, going 13.30 (+3.6).