The Arcadia Invitational has long been the crown jewel of high school track and field, a stage where future Olympians are born. Held annually at Arcadia High School in California, this meet—often dubbed the “Home of National Records”—draws the best young talent from across the country. But on April 12, the track was more electric, and one name stole the spotlight. After all, the youngster didn’t just compete; he broke a 9-year-old record. But while he did impress many, what he said after the race might put even Noah Lyles on notice. So, what did he say? And who is this guy?

Well, the name of the young speedster is Brandon Arrington. The youngster from Mt. Miguel High left the fans buzzing with a jaw-dropping double victory. He blazed through the 100m in 10.32 seconds and the 200m in 20.35 seconds. That 200m time wasn’t just a win—it shattered a record set by none other than Noah Lyles, Olympian and the 200m record holder.

Back in 2016, Lyles, then a senior at T. C. Williams High School in Virginia, ran 20.48 seconds to set the Arcadia meet record, a mark that stood for nine years until Arrington’s explosive performance. To put Arrington’s night in perspective, his 100m time of 10.32 seconds also ranks as the third-fastest ever at Arcadia, according to historical meet data. After the race, Arrington didn’t hold back, sharing his thoughts in a post-race interview that had fans on their feet. What did he have to say about eclipsing a legend like Lyles?

“Beating Noah Lyles’ record? It means a lot,” Arrington said, his voice a mix of awe and confidence. Then, with a grin that lit up the DyeStat interview, he added, “My bad, Noah Lyles—I didn’t mean to do it to you. But hey, I’m coming.” That playful apology, paired with a bold declaration, perfectly captured Arrington’s vibe: a young star who respects the greats but isn’t afraid to chase them down.

The message, shared via DyeStat’s X post on April 13, 2025, quickly went viral, racking up attention from track fans worldwide. Arrington’s words weren’t just a nod to Lyles—they were a statement to the entire sport. So, what does this moment mean for Arrington’s future and how might Lyles, now a global icon, respond to this new challenger on the horizon? And how differently does Arrington prepare himself?

Brandon Arrington shares his secret for winning

Brandon Arrington’s mindset is a masterclass in focus and determination. His mantra of winning isn’t just a fleeting thought—it’s an obsession that fuels every stride. “So I just had that hunger to come out there and win. It’s all I thought about all weekend—just win,” he said after a race, capturing the intensity that drives him. 

His confidence shines through in his ability to stay composed under pressure. “I knew when I got out, the race was over. All I had to do was be relaxed and go out there and finish. And I did,” he reflected, highlighting a mental clarity that turns potential into results. This poise, paired with technical precision, allows him to execute his races with surgical focus. 

In the 200-meter, he sticks to a disciplined approach. He mentions, “I just listen to what my coach told me—drive phase, get out, lift your knees, and just finish through. No matter what happens, finish through.” It’s a formula that has kept Arrington grounded, no matter the stakes. Arrington’s hunger extends beyond winning to constant self-improvement. His 10.32-second sprint? Just a stepping stone.

“I mean, it’s alright. I can run faster; I can do better. There’s no limit for me, so I’m going to go out there and run faster each week,” he declared, revealing a restless ambition that sets him apart. Even external factors, like racing in his home state’s favorable weather, become tools to sharpen his edge. “Yeah, the weather helped a lot… I came out here, my home state, and did what I had to do outdoors,” he noted, showing his ability to adapt and thrive.