adidas Track Nationals: Top Events to Watch

Since its inception, adidas Track Nationals has provided the stage for incredible performances, from thrilling sprint finishes to distance runners breaking records and pushing the limits of endurance. With world-class facilities and a high-energy atmosphere, Virginia Beach is the perfect backdrop for high-stakes competition. Athletes will be chasing national records and looking to leave their mark on the track and in the field.

This year's event is packed with talent, featuring national record holders, rising stars, and potential future Olympians. From the explosive sprints in the 60m dash to the endurance battle of the 2-mile, from relay teams gunning for top-10 all-time performances to the nation's best pole vaulters aiming for new heights, there will be no shortage of thrilling moments.

With so many athletes in the mix, we're highlighting five key matchups on both the boys' and girls' sides, covering sprints, middle-distance, distance, relays, and field events, so you'll know exactly what to watch at adidas Track Nationals 2025.

Dominic Harper enters the meet as the top-ranked competitor in the field, sitting at U.S. #12 with a season-best of 21.24. While he has only one 200m victory this season, Harper is a proven performer on the national stage, recently placing 5th at New Balance Nationals. He has clocked 21.28 once and 21.24 twice this season, making him the clear frontrunner in this event.

Tayedza Jaravaza is another strong contender, ranked U.S. #27 with a personal best of 21.37, set just last weekend at New Balance Nationals. His ability to peak at the right time makes him a legitimate threat to Harper.

Carson Edwards and Jordan Gross could also factor into the race. Edwards brings elite short sprint speed to the event, ranking U.S. #39 in the 60m (6.80) and U.S. #18 in the 55m (6.31). He owns a 21.56 indoor PR in the 200m. Meanwhile, Gross is ranked U.S. #47 in the 200m with a PR of 21.53 and has been dominant this season, winning three of his four 200m races.

Other key names to watch include Claude Spillman (U.S. #76, 21.66) and Malachi Williams (U.S. #23 in the 300m, 34.08). Garrett Brennan (U.S. #33 in the 300m, 34.33) could also make an impact with his strong closing speed.

With Harper leading the way, Jaravaza on the rise, and a deep field of experienced sprinters, this race could be one of the most competitive events of the meet.

With a deep field of talented sprinters, the girls' 60m at adidas Track Nationals is shaping up to be an exciting showdown. Leading the charge is sophomore Erihana Johnson, who enters as the fastest seed with a 7.45 PR set at the Alabama state indoor championships in January. Johnson also boasts impressive range with a 7.14 in the 55m dash and outdoor bests of 12.11 in the 100m and 24.80 in the 200m this season.

Aaliyah Barnes is another strong contender. The Texas standout owns a 7.48 PR and has proven herself against elite competition, finishing top 10 in both the 60m and 200m at the Texas state championships. Adding to the mix is Lauryn Robertson, who ranks 26th in the country in the 55m dash this year with a 6.96. While her 60m credentials aren't listed, her short-sprint speed makes her a legitimate threat to challenge for the title.

Other names to watch include Violet Hewett, who has a 7.50 PR and ranks 54th nationally, and Te'aira Branham-Patrick, who has run 7.56 and sits at 78th in the national rankings. Zyon Alston and Jordyn Creecy have both clocked 7.00 in the 55m dash, putting them among the top short sprinters in the field.

With Brandt, Johnson, and Robertson likely heading in as the favorites, expect a tight battle for gold. A sub-7.45 winning time isn't out of the question if the top seeds bring their best.

The boys' 400m at adidas Track Nationals will feature one of the biggest names in high school track, Andrew Salvodon, the 500m national record holder and U.S. #2 in the 400m this season. With a blistering 45.84 to his name, Salvodon is the clear favorite, though he has only claimed one victory in the event this year. His dominance in the 300m and 500m-where he has won 11 races-suggests he has the strength to handle any challenge.

Tayedza Jaravaza could be the biggest threat to Salvodon. With a PR of 48.26 in the 400m, he ranks 43rd nationally, but his real weapon might be his elite 200m speed. With a 21.37 PR that ranks him 23rd in the country, he has the closing speed to challenge late in the race if he can stay in striking distance through 300 meters.

Corey Winfield Jr. brings more of a mid-distance profile to the race, with bests of 34.74 in the 300m and 1:05.35 in the 500m. His endurance could make him a factor in the final stretch if the race turns tactical.

Maryland state champion Alex Wockenfuss is another name to watch. Undefeated in the 500m this season and ranked U.S. #16 in that event, he has proven strength at longer sprints and could push for a podium finish.

Salvodon's raw talent and experience make him the favorite, but if Jaravaza can stay close, his pure speed could make for a thrilling finish.

Nick Sanders enters as the top contender in a deep and competitive boys' 2-mile field. Ranked U.S. #37 in the 1600m with a time of 4:13.47 and U.S. #70 in the 3200m at 9:16.81, Sanders has the combination of endurance and closing speed to take control of the race. If it comes down to a fast finish, he has the tools to outkick the field.

James Callahan is another strong challenger, ranking U.S. #31 in the 3200m at 9:09.82. His experience at the distance makes him one of the most consistent threats in the field.

Caleb Tenney brings one of the fastest times in the event, sitting U.S. #63 in the 2-mile with a 9:08.60 and U.S. #57 in the 3200m at 9:15.02. If the pace gets pushed early, he could be a key player.

Will Baker (U.S. #87 in the 2-mile, 9:13.62) and Samuel Darmanie (U.S. #76 in the 1600m, 4:16.46) both have the potential to shake things up, while Kennan Byers, ranked U.S. #50 in the 1600m at 4:14.96, has the speed to make a late push.

With no overwhelming favorite, this race is wide open. If Sanders can dictate the race and use his speed, he has a great shot at taking the win. However, if the pace is strong from the start, runners like Callahan or Tenney could use their strength to pull away. Expect a competitive race where anyone in the field could make a move for the title.

The girls' mile at adidas Track Nationals features a mix of proven distance talent and intriguing newcomers stepping up in distance.

Jessica Abbott comes in as the top-ranked runner in the field, sitting 26th nationally in the 1600m with a season-best of 4:53.84. She has already picked up two wins in the event this season and showed strong form last weekend, clocking an indoor mile PR of 5:01. Abbott's experience and consistency make her the likely favorite, especially if the race goes out at a controlled pace.

Jordyn Brown enters after an impressive season debut last weekend at the IATC Indoor Championships, where she set personal bests in both the 1500m (4:41.71) and 3000m. Ranked 82nd nationally in the 1500m, she has shown strong closing speed and could be a factor if she carries that momentum into this race.

Carter Torrence is the biggest wildcard in the field. Ranked 47th nationally in the 800m with a 2:12.30, she has yet to race beyond 1000m on the track, making her endurance at this distance a question mark. If she can settle in early and utilize her 800m speed in the final lap, she could surprise with a strong finish.

With Abbott's strength over the mile distance, she'll be tough to beat, but Brown's recent form and Torrence's speed could make things interesting if the race stays tactical.

Kobi Bonds enters the competition as the top-ranked thrower in the field and the likely favorite. Ranked U.S. #40 with a season-best of 60' 0", Bonds has been dominant this season, winning six meets, including the Virginia state championship and the prestigious VA Showcase. With the meet taking place on his home turf, he has the momentum to take the title.

Chance Stuart is another strong contender, boasting a season-best of 59' 0" (U.S. #49) and an impressive nine wins this season. As another Virginia state champion, Stuart has proven he can step up in big meets and will be pushing for the top spot.

James Craig is one of the most consistent performers in the field, ranked U.S. #46 with a throw of 59' 5.75". He has yet to finish lower than second in any meet this season and has surpassed 55 feet four times, making him a reliable threat for a podium finish.

Other competitors to watch include Alexander Johnson (U.S. #63, 58' 1.75"), Koran Rucker (U.S. #88, 57' 3.75"), and Trevor Sinard, who is ranked U.S. #76 in the weight throw (61' 4.5") and could be a factor if his shot put performance continues to improve.

With Bonds and Stuart both bringing championship experience, they will likely set the standard, but with Craig's consistency and several other contenders in the mix, this event could come down to the final throws.

The adidas Track Nationals girls' pole vault competition will feature a thrilling showdown between the top two vaulters in the country, Hannah Grace and Veronica Vacca, in what could be one of the best battles of the meet.

Grace comes in as the national leader, having cleared 14' 6" this season. She remains undefeated and has already secured major titles at Nike Indoor Nationals and the Millrose Games. With her consistency and ability to rise to the occasion, she enters as the favorite.

Vacca sits right behind her at 14' 4" and has only lost once this season-against Grace at Millrose. She has been right on the brink of surpassing the 14' 6" mark, making this matchup even more exciting. If she can put together a clean series, she could push Grace to new heights or even take the win herself.

Beyond the top two, Annie McCracken is another name to watch. With a PR of 13 feet, she continues to improve each month and could be in position for a personal best performance.

With Grace and Vacca leading the way, the competition will likely be a historic one, as they are the only two vaulters in the country to clear 14 feet this season. The bar could be set even higher by the time this battle is over.