Middle School Phenom Breaks Barriers at Brooks PR Invitational
Camryn Dailey is just 13 years old—but her performance at the 2025 Brooks PR Invitational on June 8 says otherwise. Running a jaw-dropping 51.67 seconds in the 400 meters, the seventh-grader didn’t just win her race—she entered a conversation typically reserved for elite professionals. Her time now ranks among the top 25 women’s performances worldwide this season.
Blazing Times That Rival Olympic Talent
To understand the magnitude of Dailey’s achievement, consider this: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Marileidy Paulino, and Natalia Kaczmarek—all Olympic-level athletes—hover in the 49–50s range this year. Dailey’s 51.67 is already faster than several national champions across Europe and Asia, and barely over a second off global podium contention.
Even more impressive is her development. Just weeks ago, Dailey won Middle School States with a 54.64. She then set a New Balance Nationals Indoor record with a 55.33. To drop almost three seconds and land a sub-52 at her age is virtually unheard of.
Not Just a 400m Star
Dailey isn’t a one-distance wonder. Earlier this year, she ran the 60m in 7.40 seconds and posted a 22.90 in the 200m at the Ken Roberts-Panthers Elite Track and Field Challenge—both times competitive even at the international junior level.
A New Generation Is Arriving Early
Dailey is part of a new wave of teen talent pushing into elite territory far ahead of schedule. Alongside other young stars like Melanie Doggett, Cayla Hawkins, and Trinity Perine, she represents a seismic shift in the sport’s talent pipeline.
With many Olympic hopefuls still training for Paris, Dailey is just starting her journey—and already threatening to shake up the world order. If this trajectory continues, she won’t just qualify for the Games someday—she might help redefine the standards entirely.