First Duke Athletes Compete in Track & Field After 2022 Hiatus

The Dukes return to USATF U20 Championships after four-year absence, with Britton and Tyson set to compete in 400m and 400m hurdles

James Madison University’s track and field trio will compete at the USATF U20 Outdoor Championships for the first time since Jordyn Henderson placed ninth in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2022 edition, according to James Madison University Athletics. The team’s return marks a significant moment in the program’s recent history, as no Dukes have participated in the national championships since Henderson’s performance four years ago.

Three Dukes to compete in back-to-back events
Britton will open the competition on Thursday, June 20, at 3:30 p.m. ET in the 400-meter race, while Tyson follows at 4:18 p.m. ET in the 400-meter hurdles. A third unnamed athlete will also represent the Dukes, though their event has not been specified. The schedule places Britton’s and Tyson’s events within 48 minutes of each other, requiring both athletes to manage their energy and preparation carefully.

Why this matters: A break in participation
The Dukes’ absence from the championships since 2022 reflects a broader trend in the program’s recent history. Henderson’s ninth-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles (13.95 seconds) remains the only individual medal or top-10 placement by a JMU athlete at the event in that span. The return of Britton and Tyson—both of whom have competed at the NCAA Division I level—signals a renewed focus on national-level competition for the Dukes.

What happens next: Live updates and results
The USATF U20 Championships will take place from June 19–23 at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Results for Britton and Tyson will be available through the official USATF website and JMU Athletics updates. The Dukes’ performance will be closely watched, particularly as they aim to build on their recent regional successes, including Britton’s 2025 NCAA East Region title in the 400m.

How JMU’s track program compares to peers
James Madison University’s track program has historically been competitive at the NCAA level but has seen limited representation at the USATF U20 Championships in recent years. In contrast, programs like the University of Arkansas (host of this year’s event) and the University of Texas have consistently fielded multiple athletes in the championships. The Dukes’ participation this year aligns with a broader trend of NCAA athletes competing in both collegiate and national junior events, though JMU’s last top-10 finish predates this shift.

Key figures and their backgrounds

• Britton: A rising star in the 400m, Britton earned All-American honors in 2025 and has set personal bests under 46 seconds.
• Tyson: Specializing in the 400m hurdles, Tyson has improved his time to 51.23 seconds, placing him among the top collegiate hurdlers in the nation.
• Jordyn Henderson (2022): Her 13.95-second hurdles time remains the Dukes’ best performance at the championships since 2018.

Official statements and next steps
James Madison University Athletics has not yet released detailed statements on the team’s goals for the championships, but coaches and athletes have emphasized preparation and experience as key focuses. The Dukes’ participation follows a successful 2025 season, during which the team secured multiple NCAA regional titles and All-American honors.

For live updates, results, and official statements, readers are directed to the USATF Championships website and JMU Athletics social media channels.