Jibril Syed Makes US History at AAU Junior Olympics


* This is an update to an article written August 2nd. The original article can be found on Page 2. 

During the AAU Junior Olympic Games, Motor City Track Club's Jibril Syed earned All-American honors in both the 400 Meter Hurdles and 2000 Meter Steeplechase in the 17-18 year old age group. At the time, it was seen as a "rare feat," but after some diligent research, the feat went from "rare" to "unprecedented."

AAU National Track and Field Secretary Karen Hall has verified that Syed became the first athlete, male or female, to ever earn All-American honors in both events in the same weekend. With thousands of athletes competing in the week-long event every year, the fact that something could still happen "for the first time in meet history" is truly unprecedented.

Below is the letter from AAU to Syed officially ratifying the accomplishment. A press release will be following soon. Hall, along with, Charles "Coach O" Oliver will be delivering a plaque to the Auburn Hills native with more coverage to follow. 

Syed recently announced his Top 6 college choices (in no particular order): Central Michigan University, University of North Carolina, Michigan State University, Georgetown University, University of Wisconsin, and the Ohio State University. 

*Update: On November 14th, Syed officially committed to Georgetown University.


TO: Jibril Syed - Class of 2020

FROM: Karen Hall

AAU National Track & Field Secretary

RE: United States of America Historical Achievement

 The 2019 AAU National Junior Olympic Games were held July 28 - August 3rd in Greensboro North Carolina where AAU reached record breaking numbers and was deemed the largest youth track and field meet in the country to date with 13,601 athletes. 

For immediate release:

This letter is to acknowledge that it has been verified and authenticated, that on July 31, 2019 at the AAU National Junior Olympic Games, Jibril Syed became the only athlete in U.S. High School history to receive All-American honors in both the 400m Hurdles and 2000m Steeplechase. This feat was achieved in the same National Championship.

You are an athlete with an extremely bright future. You exhibit the qualities of an AAU Track & Field Athlete who is a natural born leader, model student athlete on and off the track and a person who endears the principals of never giving up and fighting to the finish. You bring inspiration to the sport of track & field. Due to your continued faithfulness and dedication, you are most certainly deserving of this honor.