In the electrifying world of track and field, records are meant to be broken—but not usually by middle schoolers. Yet, Melanie Doggett continues to defy expectations! The teenage phenom is on a quest to rewrite history with every sprint. At just 13 years old, the Atlanta-based star has already established herself as one of the fastest young athletes in the world. And at the Milrose Games, she did it yet again.

Doggett blazed through the 60-meter dash in a jaw-dropping 7.17 seconds, shattering her own age-13 world record. To put that in perspective, only three collegiate women have clocked a faster time this season. The eighth-grader’s performance sent shockwaves through the track community, further cementing her status as a once-in-a-generation talent. Even more so, because her rise to stardom has been nothing short of spectacular.

How 12-year-old Doggett shattered World Records and out-ran high school stars

Just last year, as a 12-year-old sixth-grader at Landmark Christian School near Atlanta, Doggett etched her name into the record books with an 11.67-second sprint in the 100 meters at the Adidas Outdoor Nationals. That time not only broke the previous world record for 12-year-olds but also surpassed the sixth-grade world best set by Tamari Davis, who now competes professionally. At such a young age, Doggett was already running faster than state champions in Virginia’s high school system.

But despite the growing attention and accolades, Doggett remains grounded, letting her performances speak for themselves. “I didn’t do anything special,” she told MileSplit after one of her historic races. “I just pushed. It was a really fun experience, and I’m glad I got to have it.”

13-year-old sprint phenom chasing records with humility and passion

Doggett’s approach to racing is as impressive as her times. Despite setting records, she remains humble and appreciative of her competition. “The girls were really sweet and they did good too,” she said after her 100-meter race at the National Elite Final. Melanie’s words truly emphasize the sportsmanship and camaraderie she shares with her fellow athletes. Even as she dominates on the track, the Landmark Christian School student sees each race as an opportunity to enjoy the experience and push herself to new heights.

Doggett’s words while in conversation with Miles Split also revealed how she is extremely focused on improvement. Her mindset has fueled her rapid rise while competing for the Major Impact Track Club. As she prepares for the 200 meters, her goal remains simple yet ambitious, “To do the same thing but maybe PR again.” In fact, Doggett recently ran a 200-meter sprint clocking an impeccable timing of 23.47 seconds, just 1.87 seconds more than Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas (21.60 seconds).

The young sprinter’s ability to consistently deliver record-breaking performances at such a young age has drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s biggest stars. Yet, Doggett is focused on carving out her own path, constantly pushing her limits while staying true to herself. Whether on the 60-meter track indoors or the 100-meter straightaway outdoors, she continues to set the standard for young sprinters worldwide.

With every race, Melanie Doggett isn’t just breaking records. But is redefining what’s possible for young athletes in track and field. At just 13, she has already proven that she belongs among the sport’s elite. And if her trajectory is anything to go by, this is only the beginning.