The Midwest Shines at the CYUP Misfits Invite
---
The CYUP Misfits Invite in Chicago showcased some of the nation's top boys' performances this weekend, with athletes delivering standout times in multiple events. Indiana junior Caleb Winders led the charge in the 600m, clocking a U.S. #2 time of 1:18.48. Winders joined an elite group of just seven boys to break 1:20 this season, and his performance now ranks as the #12 all-time indoor mark in the event. In the mile, TJ Hansen made his mark with a time of 4:09.21, placing him at U.S. #7 this season and among the exclusive club of seven boys who have gone under 4:10 this year. Tennessee's Keegan Smith traveled to Chicago to dominate the 2-mile, winning by over six seconds with a time of 9:09.15. His performance ranks as the U.S. #6 time this season, making him one of just eight boys to break 9:10.
The girls also delivered exceptional performances, starting with Angelena Bullocks, who sprinted to a U.S. #5 time in the 60m dash, finishing in 7.41 seconds and setting a 0.10-second personal best. In the 600m, Ellie Barada impressed in only her second indoor meet, running a U.S. #4 time of 1:31.90 to become one of just four athletes under 1:32 this season. Charlize-Trinity McKenzie continued her dominance in the 1000m, running a U.S. #2 time of 2:48.95 and remaining undefeated in the event this year. Elin Latta stole the spotlight in the mile, delivering a commanding U.S. #1 time of 4:43.92. Her performance leads the nation by over three seconds and ranks as the #37 all-time indoor mark. Latta's dominant win, by nearly seven seconds, came in a race that produced four of the top five mile times this season.
In the 2-mile, Mia Sirois emerged victorious in the fastest girls' race of the season, clocking a U.S. #1 time of 10:15.24. Sirois' performance marked a 31-second indoor personal best and saw her finish three seconds ahead of runner-up Sundara Weber. This race also featured four of the top five 2-mile times of the season, cementing the CYUP Misfits Invite as one of the premier meets of the year. With record-breaking times and thrilling competition, the event proved to be a highlight of the indoor track and field season.