Grace Stark shown here collecting an impressive 60m hurdles win at the SPIRE Showcase.
White Lake Lakeland's Grace Stark was appointed the fifth position on the latest MileSplit 50 list which was released earlier this week. The MileSplit 50 is a subjective weekly rankings report that's overseen by MileSplit USA's content team. The lists take into account an athlete's entire body of work for the current season which is in session, however inclusion is often weighed heavily on recent performances.
* More information regarding the specific criteria that qualifies an athlete is found at the end of the article.
Grace Stark has been a regular near the top of the list throughout the season. The junior currently leads the Michigan rankings in two events: 60m - 7.41 and the 60m hurdles - 8.12. In addition to her state No. 1's, she finds herself ranked sixth in the country in the 60m and second nation-wide in the 60m hurdles.
* More of her impressive 2018 indoor track accomplishments include:
- A victory in the 60m finals at the highly competitive UK High School Invitational. Here, Stark achieved her personal record time in the event (7.41).
- A third place finish in the 60m finals at the SPIRE Showcase meet in Geneva, Ohio. Stark represented herself admirably in a deep field that included national elites Lanae-Tava Thomas (NY) and Abby Steiner (OH). Steiner is the all-time Ohio record holder in the 60m and 200m events and Thomas currently resides at No. 1 in the MileSplit 50.
- Notable wins in the 60m hurdles event at both the UK High School Invitational and the SPIRE Showcase. Her 8.22 effort at SPIRE is an all-time facility record for high school athletes.
- Numerous first place finishes in the MITS series (in both the 60m and 60m hurdles events).
Grace Stark owns Michigan's all-time record in the 60m hurdles event (8.12).
MileSplit Michigan tracked down Stark via Twitter to inquire about how she feels her 2018 season has gone and what she still hopes to accomplish.
Here is what Grace had to say:
"I'm happy with my season so far and I'm hoping to have a strong finish at New Balance Nationals! Also, I am honored to be ranked fifth in the MileSplit 50 considering all of the great talent across the country!"
Check out Grace's interview with MileSplit Ohio following last month's SPIRE Showcase.
More information pertaining to the background of the MileSplit 50 and the selection process:
