Oftentimes, things are supposed to go in a particular manner, but they tend to take a completely different path. Come the USATF Indoor Championship 2025, the 60m race witnessed somewhat of a similar occurrence. Ahead of the race, all the limelight was on the veteran sprinter, Ronnie Baker. Right from the start of the new season, Baker has looked phenomenal. And with his blistering pace on full display, Baker took over even the best timing of Noah Lyles so far! 

After his Olympics appearance, Lyles took a break.  Coming back in the new season, the sprinting sensation’s fastest dash till now has been that of 6.52s. He clocked the timing at the Ostrava 60m finals. However, with Baker around, Lyles soon realized that no 60m records were safe. Competing in the event, Baker notched up a timing of 6.50s to clinch the top spot as well as beat Lyles’ season’s best till now. Thus, come the USATF Indoor Championships, Baker was expected to run away with the race. 

And this is where things become interesting. Right after the gun went off in the heats, Baker surprisingly conceded the lead. As his opponent dominated proceedings, Baker finished 2nd with a time of 6.57s. Well, guess what? This mystery winner was an 18-year-old high schooler from Penn State. Running an incredible time of 6.54s, Ajani Dwyer clinched the top spot to create history. Coming to the race, there is very little margin of error in a 60m race. And while Baker did give his best efforts, it just wasn’t enough. 

Right from the word go, Dwyer looked to be on point. Taking an early lead, he made sure that he did not get his pace reduced and provided an opportunity for others to overtake him. Naturally, the 18-year-old looked elated after the race. After all, he has beaten one of the best. In fact, this timing was also the personal best in 60m for Ajani Dwyer. Coming back to Baker, he has been a phenom in the 60m category. 

Baker holds the record for being the third fastest runner in the 60m history ever. Competing at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Birmingham back in 2018, Baker wreaked havoc on the track. Clocking a time of 6.40s, Baker etched his name into the history books. However, losing out to Dwyer was not the only unexpected event for Baker. In fact, Ronnie Baker missed his much-hyped rivalry on the track with Trayvon Bromell.

Ronnie Baker’s big duel against Trayvon Bromell falls apart in USATF Indoors

Fans were looking forward to witnessing a showdown between two strong rivals in the 600 meter. However, the highly anticipated showdown between American sprinters Ronnie Baker and Trayvon Bromell at the 2025 U.S. Indoor Championships took an unexpected turn, leaving fans and athletes alike in suspense. Just hours before the event, Bromell announced his withdrawal due to health concerns. Taking to his social media handle, he stated, “After meeting with USATF Medical Staff and my team, we’ve decided to back out of USATF indoor championships.”

Such an unforeseen development postponed the much-anticipated fifth 60m clash between Baker and Bromell. Moreover, it altered the competitive landscape of the event. Baker, who had recently showcased impressive form with a 6.53s victory at the Belgrade Indoor Meeting, was poised to capitalize on Bromell’s absence. But to keep the viewers on the edge anyway, the race delivered another surprise.

 The 18-year-old emerging talent, Ajani Dwyer outpaced Baker in the heats, underscoring the unpredictable nature of track and field competitions. And this shocking outcome indeed announced that the next generation is always ready to challenge established champions. As the indoor season progresses, the track and field community eagerly awaits the rescheduling of the Baker-Bromell duel on the tracks. But, as of now, looks like the 31-year-old has a brand new track rival to settle scores with. However, Ronnie Baker was ultimately able to compose himself in the finals. He beat Ajani Dwyer to clinch the first position, much like the crowd had anticipated. Baker clocked 6.52s as he sped to his victory. However, Ajani Dwyer, who stunned Baker in the heats, finished sixth with a time of 6.61s.