A total of 7,779 athletes from all 50 states gathered at Savannah State University from July 21-27 for the 2025 USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships. Among them were 31 athletes from USATF Virginia, who brought pride and power to the national stage. Competing across a wide range of disciplines, Virginia athletes earned 9 All-American honors, delivering a week of exceptional performances, hard-earned medals, and moments that will help them take their skills to the next level.
Leading the Virginia team was Julia Wallace of MVP League, who blazed to victory in the Girls 15-16 400m, winning the national title with a dominant time of 54.96. Her smooth stride and fierce finish made her one of the standout performers of the meet. Wallace also placed 23rd in the 200m, capping a well-rounded and impressive showing.
I was excited Savannah Georgia would host the Junior Olympic, because how close my mom side of the family lived from there. To have them here to cheer me on in person may have given me that extra boost in the finals. Having it here in historical Savannah was great! I got the chance to walk along River Street, and try different foods. As much as I wanted to explore more and visit the beaches, I knew I had to make sure I was ready to compete. The athletes I competed against were some of the kindest and most supportive people I’ve ever met. Even when I wasn’t feeling well, they stepped in to check on me and make sure I was okay, even though we were about to race each other. I was also lucky to compete alongside my friend, Annette McGrath who also achieved All American status for the 400. Traveling with a friend made the experience even more fun and memorable. We got to hang out off the track and push each other to be our best on it. Don’t think, just run. It’s something I constantly say to myself before a race. It helps me avoid overthinking or doubting myself, it lets me trust my training, my talent, myself. When I hop on the track, it’s not about the people in the stands, the coaches, or the other runners. It’s about how badly I want it, am I ready to leave everything on the track, and how much I trust myself. Thank you to Maurice Hutton and all my other coaches for the training, my family and friends for believing in me and my talent, and to myself for knowing what I’m capable of. I don’t think. I just run.
Kiana Parham, competing unattached, made a national name for herself with three silver medals in the Girls 9-10 division. She finished 2nd in the 100m (13.17), 200m (26.93), and triathlon (1,268 pts) - a remarkable trifecta that highlighted her speed, versatility, and competitive spirit.
Julia Wallace (MVP League) – Girls 15-16 400m, 54.96
Kiana Parham (Unattached) – Girls 9-10 100m, 13.17
Kiana Parham (Unattached) – Girls 9-10 200m, 26.93
Kiana Parham (Unattached) – Girls 9-10 Triathlon, 1,268 pts
Trenton Snyder (Unattached) – Boys 17-18 Pole Vault, 4.36m
The following athletes earned All-American honors by placing in the top eight in their events. All-American finishers received championship medals and special All-American hats:
5th Place
Annette McGrath (MVP League) – Girls 15-16 400m, 56.87
6th Place
Chance Stuart (Commonwealth Throws Club) – Boys 17-18 Shot Put, 16.25m
Silease James (Dale City Lightning TC) – Girls 13-14 Discus Throw, 31.32m
7th Place
Jeffrey McLaughlin (Unattached) – Boys 17-18 Pole Vault, 4.06m
Athletes from Virginia proudly represented the following clubs in Savannah:
MVP League
Dale City Lightning TC
Commonwealth Throws Club
NVA Track Legion of Zoom T&F
Click here to view the complete Virginia results scoreboard.