### The Rise of Lisa Ray: A Track and Field Phenom
In the world of track and field, few names have been as synonymous with excellence as Lisa Ray. This 16-year-old sprinter from Rhode Island has been making waves in the sport with her incredible speed, dedication, and impressive record-breaking performances. Here, we delve into the career highlights and achievements of this young track star, exploring what makes her one of the most promising athletes in the sport.
#### Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Lisa Ray began her track and field journey as a freshman at West Warwick High School. Her early performances were nothing short of remarkable, setting her on a path to becoming one of the top high school sprinters in the country. In 2023, Ray won national titles in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor, becoming a double All-American in the process[3][4]. Her times of 11.26 seconds in the 100 meters and 22.77 seconds in the 200 meters not only ranked her No. 5 and No. 1 nationally among girls prep competitors but also placed her among the all-time best in her class[3][4].
#### Record-Breaking Performances
Ray’s dominance on the track continued into the 2024 season, where she set multiple state records in Rhode Island. At the state championships, she clocked personal record times of 14.06 seconds in the 100-meter high hurdles and 42.53 seconds in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles, both of which were state records[3][4]. Her performance at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor was equally impressive, where she swept all her events individually, including the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, with wind-legal marks of 11.26 and 22.77 seconds, respectively[3][4].
#### Breaking the High School National Record
One of the most significant milestones in Lisa Ray’s career came on February 8, 2025, at the Millrose Games. In a thrilling race, Ray shattered the U.S. high school national record in the 60-meter dash, crossing the line with a time of 7.13 seconds. This achievement not only broke the previous record of 7.16 seconds set by Shawnti Jackson in 2023 but also solidified Ray’s position as one of the fastest high school sprinters in the country[2][5].
#### Competing at the Highest Level
Ray’s performance at the Millrose Games was all the more impressive given the caliber of competition she faced. Melanie Doggett, an eighth grader from Georgia, finished runner-up with a time of 7.17 seconds, setting an age 13 world record in the process[2]. This level of competition is a testament to Ray’s ability to perform under pressure and her readiness to compete at the highest levels.
#### Impact on the Sport
Lisa Ray’s impact on track and field extends beyond her impressive performances. She has inspired a new generation of young athletes with her dedication, hard work, and natural talent. Her commitment to excellence both on and off the track is evident in her academic achievements, maintaining a 3.64 weighted GPA, and her volunteer work at middle school track meets and with the Special Olympics[3].
#### Future Prospects
As Lisa Ray continues to dominate the track and field scene, her future prospects are bright. With her current national leads in the 55-meter and 60-meter dashes, as well as her top 10 national ranking in the 200-meter dash, it is clear that she is poised for even greater success in the years to come[2]. The question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next for this track and field phenom?
### Conclusion
Lisa Ray is more than just a talented athlete; she is a symbol of excellence and dedication in the world of track and field. Her record-breaking performances, both indoors and outdoors, have cemented her place as one of the top high school sprinters in the country. As she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible on the track, it is clear that Lisa Ray is a name that will be remembered for years to come in the sport.
Go Lisa!
