Brazil Neal: From Serra Speedster to Oregon Duck Sprint Star

Brazil Neal has emerged as one of California’s most electrifying sprint talents, transitioning from a record-breaking high school career at Gardena Serra to becoming a key contributor for the University of Oregon. Known for her fiery red hair, explosive speed, and clutch relay performances, Neal has solidified her reputation as a versatile sprinter with national and collegiate accolades.

Early Life and High School Dominance

Foundations at Gardena Serra

Neal’s sprinting prowess became evident at Gardena Serra High School, where she trained alongside future Oregon teammate Rodrick Pleasant. Under coach Christopher Mack, she developed into a dual-threat sprinter, excelling in the 100m and 200m while anchoring relay teams.

Record-Breaking Performances

• 2023 CIF Masters Meet: Clocked a wind-aided 23.36 in the 200m, the fastest all-conditions time in California history, breaking down in tears of joy post-race.

• 2022 CIF State Championships: Won gold in the 200m (23.67) and 4x100m relay, helping Serra claim the team title.

• 2023 Nike Outdoor Nationals: Placed 3rd in the 100m (11.59) and 5th in the 200m (23.79).

• Personal Bests:

  • 100m: 11.53 (wind-legal, 2023 state prelims).

  • 200m: 23.36 (wind-aided, 2023 Masters Meet).

  • 4x100m Relay: 45.58 (2023 Arcadia Invitational).

Accolades

• Daily Breeze Girls’ Track Athlete of the Year (2023).

• Three-time CIF state medalist (two golds, one silver).

• Anchored Serra to back-to-back top-three team finishes at state championships.

Collegiate Ascendancy at Oregon

Freshman Impact (2023–2024)

Neal joined Oregon’s sprint squad, immediately contributing in individual and relay events:

• Indoor 60m: 7.48 at the 2025 Don Kirby Invitational (No. 2 in program history).

• Outdoor 100m: 11.81 (+2.1) at the 2025 Battle at the Beach.

• Relays: Helped Oregon’s 4x100m team to a 44.82 season best (2024 Brutus Hamilton Invitational).

2025 Breakthrough

• PAC-12 Championships: Scored in the 100m (12.06) and 200m (24.10).

• NCAA West Prelims: Advanced in the 100m and 200m, cementing her status as a rising NCAA contender.

Technical Profile and Training

Sprint Mechanics

• Acceleration: Explosive block starts with rapid turnover, honed through overspeed treadmill drills.

• Top-End Speed: Maintains form through late-race phases, critical in 200m performances.

• Relay Expertise: Precision in baton exchanges, often anchoring with sub-12-second splits.

Coaching Philosophy

Oregon’s staff emphasizes race modeling and wind adaptation, refining Neal’s ability to perform in variable conditions.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Inspiring California Sprinting

Neal’s success at Serra revitalized the school’s track legacy, mentoring younger athletes like Mia Flowers and Zakijah Wilson. Her viral Masters Meet victory speech—“I just want people to remember my name”—resonated with aspiring sprinters.

NIL and Advocacy

Leveraging Opendorse, Neal engages fans through personalized shoutouts and appearances, promoting fitness and mental resilience. Her social media presence (@being_brazil) blends training insights with fashion and community advocacy.

Future Trajectory

Olympic Aspirations

With the 2028 Los Angeles Games as a target, Neal aims to breach 11.30 in the 100m and 22.90 in the 200m. Planned altitude training in Eugene will focus on lactate threshold and phase transitions.

Collegiate Goals

• Secure All-American honors in the 100m/200m.

• Lead Oregon’s 4x100m relay to a NCAA podium finish.

Conclusion

Brazil Neal’s journey from Gardena’s tracks to Oregon’s Hayward Field embodies the power of perseverance and technical refinement. As she continues to shatter personal bests and inspire a new generation, Neal stands poised to redefine collegiate sprinting while carrying forward Serra’s legacy of speed. With each stride, she proves that passion and precision can transform hometown talent into national acclaim.

Go Brazil!