Elite Battles Highlight New York International Showcase
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The New York International Showcase at the Ocean Breeze Facility delivered electrifying performances as top athletes from the United States clashed with standout competitors from Jamaica. This inaugural event lived up to its promise of showcasing elite talent, with multiple national-leading performances and personal bests across a range of events.
Boys Highlights
The boys' 55m hurdles was the most competitive race of the season, with seven athletes earning top-10 national times. Tyler Burgess led the charge with a blazing U.S. #2 time of 7.15, narrowly edging out Trevon Foster (U.S. #3, 7.19) and Isaiah Washington (U.S. #4, 7.21). The depth and speed on display underscored the event's prestige and set the tone for the meet.
In the 800m, Colin Abrams delivered a standout performance, clocking a U.S. #2 time of 1:50.44. This made him one of only two boys to break the 1:51 barrier this season. Close behind, D'Angelo Brown posted a U.S. #3 time of 1:51.36, with Samuel Anderson rounding out the podium at U.S. #5, 1:52.41. The race was a masterclass in tactical running and speed endurance.
Jayden Horton-Mims proved to be a dual threat, securing two titles. In the 200m, he clocked a U.S. #12 time of 21.41, and in the 400m, he crossed the line first with a U.S. #6 time of 47.13. Just behind him, Keayari Thompson delivered a stellar performance with a U.S. #4 time of 47.17, highlighting the exceptional talent on display in the sprints.
In the 3200m, Thomas Isenovski joined an exclusive group by running a U.S. #6 time of 9:09.70. He became one of just seven boys to break the 9:10 barrier this season and the only one to do so outside of the VA Showcase, a testament to his grit and determination.
The field events did not disappoint, with Vance Harris tying the U.S. #5 mark in the high jump at 6'10". His performance placed him among an elite group of athletes this season. For the sixth time this year, Ryan Buskey soared higher than any of his competitors, this time winning the high jump at the New York International Showcase. The junior cleared 7-2 in his win, matching his season and personal best he set back in December. Buskey was the lone athlete to clear 7-0, and notched five first-attempt clearances, the only athlete with more than three
The relay events provided thrilling finishes. Archbishop Carroll (DC) narrowly defeated Winslow Township (NJ) in the 4x400m relay, with both teams earning top-five national times. Carroll's 3:15.86 is now ranked U.S. #2, while Winslow's 3:16.45 secured the U.S. #4 spot. In the 4x800m relay, Saratoga Springs (NY) dominated, clocking a new U.S. #1 time of 7:50.88, winning by over nine seconds. They are one of only eight teams to break the 8-minute mark this season, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in middle-distance relays.
Girls Highlights
On the girls' side, Lisa Raye stole the show with a sensational performance in the sprints. She faced off against Jamaican sprint-sensation Shanoya Douglas and emerged victorious in three events: the 55m, 60m, and 200m. In the 55m, Raye clocked a blistering 6.74, lowering her U.S. #1 time and winning by 0.17 seconds. In the 60m, she finished in 7.24, again lowering her U.S. #1 time and defeating Douglas by 0.20 seconds. Finally, in the 200m, Raye won with a time of 23.45, just shy of her U.S. #4 time of 23.39. These performances solidified her place among the all-time greats, ranking her tied for 8th all-time in the 55m and tied for 12th all-time in the 60m indoors.
In the 400m, Taylor Aska posted a huge personal best of 54.01, a 1.35-second improvement, which now ranks as the U.S. #3 time this season.
The hurdles saw Kassidy Hopkins shine, clocking a U.S. #3 time of 7.71 in the 55m hurdles and a U.S. #4 time of 8.29 in the 60m hurdles, showcasing her versatility and consistency across both events.
The relay events were equally thrilling. Winslow Township (NJ) ran a U.S. #4 time of 3:46.87 in the 4x400m relay, while the Columbia (NY) girls clocked a U.S. #4 time of 9:16.84 in the 4x800m relay. The River Hill (MD) girls secured a U.S. #5 time of 12:16.55 in the distance medley relay, adding to the showcase's collection of nationally-ranked relay performances.
In the field events, Brooklyn Lyttle soared to a U.S. #3 mark in the long jump with a leap of 20'3.25". This was her second-best indoor jump ever, further solidifying her reputation as one of the top jumpers in the country.