🚨 The 8-year-old PHENOM snags ANOTHER AAU Junior Olympic Games National Record, this time running 27.36 (+1.1) to win her semi-final 200m heat. She ran over.... Image accompanying Marathon Handbook’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Emeri Cotton, eight, shattered national records in 100m and 200m at the AAU Junior Olympics. She ran 100m in 13.67 seconds, breaking the previous record of 13.85. The next day, she clocked 27.36 in the 200m, surpassing her own record of 27.99.
Competing in Des Moines, Iowa, Cotton traveled over 1,000 miles from Delaware. She holds the under-8 record in 400m as well, with a time of 1:04.33. The finals for both events are scheduled for Saturday, offering potential for further records. Read more racing coverage.
Cotton's family emphasizes balance, ensuring she remains a child. Her father, Sam Cotton, and mother, Amber Wise, both had track backgrounds. Her grandfather founded a local youth running club where she trains. Related: Wendy Alexis sets new Canadian W70 100m record.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
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What should runners know about Eight-Year-Old Sets Two National Sprint Records in Iowa?
Emeri Cotton broke national under-8 records in 100m and 200m at AAU Junior Olympics. Emeri Cotton, eight, shattered national records in 100m and 200m at the AAU Junior Olympics. She ran 100m in 13.67 seconds, breaking the previous record of 13.85. The next day, she clocked 27.36 in the 200m, surpassing her own record of 27.99.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on August 6, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated August 6, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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