At the 2024 FLYRA Middle School State Track and Field Championships held at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, the 3000 Meters events for boys and girls showcased rising stars in middle school athletics. The races, held on Friday, May 3rd, were the only events of the day, with the remainder of the championship scheduled for Saturday.
In the Girls 3000 Meters, Avery Hartley from No Excuses RC triumphed with a standout performance, completing the race in 9:59.65. Lainee Mercer from Hillsborough Harriers came in second with a time of 10:13.38, closely followed by Eva Delaney, also from No Excuses RC, who finished in 10:18.29. The competition was fierce, with Peyton Cerasi and Arabella Duffell, both unattached, rounding out the top five with times of 10:31.01 and 10:38.83, respectively.
On the boys’ side, Landon Watkins of Hillsborough Harriers claimed victory in the 3000 Meters with a remarkable time of 9:14.25. Jack Michalak from Belen Jesuit Preparatory School secured second place, clocking in at 9:20.56, while Fletcher Rodbro from IMG Academy captured third with a time of 9:21.82. The top five was completed by Douglas Seth from Imagine Town Center and Steven Lundin from Miami Elite Track Club, with times of 9:26.70 and 9:28.16, respectively.
