Athlete of the Week: L-W East's Brown Dashes Past Everyone in California

Aaliyah Brown has proven herself to be one of the top sprinters not only in the state, but also in the country.

The sophomore speedster recently won the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes at the prestigious Arcadia Invitational in California.

Winning those events at the Arcadia Invitational is a remarkable achievement because of the event’s reputation. There have been 24 national high school records set at the Arcadia, and 125 athletes have competed in the meet prior to moving on to the U.S. Olympic team.

Yes, Brown is an elite sprinter.

“I cannot say enough good things about Aaliyah,” Lincoln-Way East coach Caroline Cunningham said. “She is one of the hardest workers I know. She’s a team leader, has a huge heart and is very respectful of all of her competition, some of which she is friends with off the track.”

Earlier this season, Brown won the 200 meters at the Urbana Invite and took second in the 55 with a 6.95. She finished second in the 55 and the 200 finals at the Illinois Prep Top Times Indoor Classic.

For her efforts, Brown is being recognized as Patch’s Athlete of the Week.