Nationwide — Janet Criss, a 14-year-old African American monitor athlete from Northern California, is making a reputation for herself because the top-ranked center college 100-meter sprinter within the state and the nation. The younger runner continues to interrupt data as she prepares for the USA Monitor and Area Junior Olympics.
The East Bay athlete not too long ago delivered a standout efficiency on the AAU Monitor & Area West Coast Nationwide Championship in Reno. Criss broke three meet data, together with the 100-meter and 200-meter races, ending with occasions of 11.74 seconds and 23.97 seconds.
She additionally competed on the Nike Outside Nationals in Eugene, Oregon, the place she gained the Rising Elite 100-meter division. Criss was the one center college runner within the occasion and completed forward of a number of prime highschool athletes from throughout the nation, in line with KTVU.
Earlier within the season, Criss recorded a private better of 11.67 seconds on the West Coast Basic Monitor and Area Invitational. Whereas attending Canyon Center Faculty in Castro Valley, she additionally set a neighborhood meet file within the 100-meter with a time of 11.60 seconds.
Criss has remained undefeated within the 100-meter this season and held the highest spot within the 200-meter dash division earlier than inserting third on the Nike Outside Nationals. Her mom, Stephanie Burton, mentioned her daughter’s achievements mirror years of onerous work and dedication.
The incoming freshman will proceed her schooling at Moreau Catholic Excessive Faculty in Hayward. Together with becoming a member of the monitor group, she plans to participate in scholar authorities and play violin within the college band.
Criss started competing in monitor at age 10 and now trains with the Bay Space-based monitor membership Viewers of One. Her mom mentioned the younger athlete dedicates hours to coaching earlier than and after college, in addition to throughout weekends and holidays.
The teenager’s long-term purpose is to compete on the faculty {and professional} ranges. She is now getting ready for the 2026 USATF Nationwide Junior Olympic Monitor & Area Championships in Norwalk, California, after beforehand qualifying for the occasion and inserting third in her age group.
Criss hopes to proceed chasing her purpose of competing in opposition to the very best younger athletes within the nation. To assist assist her journey, Criss’ household began a GoFundMe marketing campaign to cowl bills for elite competitions, together with journey, lodging, transportation, meals, and entry charges. It has thus far raised practically $1,000.
