As the 2026 outdoor season reaches its midpoint, the Class of 2029 is proving that the future of Georgia track and field has arrived ahead of schedule. While most freshmen are still adjusting to the rigors of high school competition, these young athletes are already recording marks that are turning heads at the state level.
From sub-55 second quarter-milers to distance runners handling elite varsity paces, here are 12 freshman girls from the Class of 2029 who have emerged as leaders based on the latest MileSplit GA rankings.
Carrington Harris (Buford): Carrying on the tradition of Buford speed, Harris has been electric. Her 54.74 in the 400m and a long jump of 18-01.50 at the MTFXCCGA Invitational make her one of the most versatile and dangerous freshmen in the state.
Mariah Thurmond (Butler): Thurmond has established herself as a premier sprinter, clocking a blistering 11.88 in the 100m. Her explosive start and top-end speed have already made her a legitimate podium threat in any classification.
Oluwatoyin Awoleye (Lithia Spring): Awoleye is proving to be a force in the long sprints. With a 54.65 in the 400m and a 24.72 in the 200m, she has shown the technical maturity and endurance to compete with Georgia's elite upperclassmen.
Harmony Moore (Monroe): Moore has emerged as a top hurdle specialist. Her 14.79 in the 100m Hurdles at the L.C Smith and Winfred Benson Relays ranks her among the top of her class, showing remarkable poise over the barriers for a ninth-grader.
Christina Kaigler (Druid Hills): Kaigler set a high bar for freshman distance running early this year. Her 2:15.81 in the 800m at the 13th Atlanta Games Invitational remains the gold standard for the Class of 2029.
Norah Hickerson (Harrison): A consistent presence at the top of the leaderboard, Hickerson clocked a 5:03.45 in the 1600m at the Cobb County Meet, establishing herself as a premier middle-distance talent.
Jane Kiely (Westminster): The latest in a long line of Westminster distance stars, Kiely ranks near the top of the class in the 1600m with a 5:18.05 and also the 3200m with a 11:30.24.
Emma Dobson (Chestatee): Dobson has shown impressive aerobic maturity early on. Her 11:30.83 in the 3200m at the Battle of the Blue Ridge proves she can handle the heat of a competitive varsity environment.
Cordtney Galoia (Stratford Academy): Galoia has been a revelation in the throwing circles. Her massive toss of 42-01.00 in the Shot Put at the International City Relays not only leads the freshman class but puts her among the state's elite throwers regardless of age.
Carder Brock (Cartersville): Brock has dominated early-season competitions with remarkable consistency. Her 125-0 mark in the Discus at the Purple Hurricane Invitational keeps her firmly entrenched at the top of the state rankings.
Anjali Smith (Northside Columbus): Smith has emerged as a major threat on the high jump apron this spring. With a jump of 5-8 at the Harris County meet, she is the only freshman over the 5-4 mark so far this season.
Morgan Maniece (Loganville): Maniece rounds out a historic freshman jumping class. Her 38-08.00 leap at the Pachuta Classic proves she has the power to be a major scoring threat for the red devils.