Local track standout Michelle Rushing, competing as part of the AZ Titans Track and Field Club, won the national USATF Junior Olympics 13-14 200 meter hurdles championship on July 25 at the USA Track and Field meet that took place in Savannah, Ga.
Competing for Arizona Titans, Rushing ran a personal record of 27.70 to win the event over Harmony Moore of Albany, Ga. (27.90) and Harper Fish of Central City, Neb. (28.10). Rushing is now the top-ranked in the nation at this age level.
That achievement and her overall performance in the prestigious meet earn her the Jet Sports Training Female Athlete of the Month honor for July. It is the second time Rushing, younger sister of former Salpointe standouts Cruz and Elijah Rushing of Oregon, has earned the athlete of the month honor. She was selected in July 2023 after she took home the silver medal in the 80-meter hurdles (11-12 age group) at the USATF National Junior Olympics Championships at Eugene, Ore.
Michelle came into the final this year ranked fifth after prelims with a time of 28.71. Rushing won the 100 hurdles at the state championships in June, along with a gold from the 4×100 Relays, and she followed that up with Region 10 championships in the 100 hurdles and the 200 hurdles in early July.
“I just wanna say thank you to God for giving me the gift to run and compete, my parents for always being there for me, and the Arizona Titans and all my coaches for pushing me way past my comfort zone! This championship is coming home to Tucson!” Michelle mentioned to AllSportsTucson.com after her national title victory in the 200-meter hurdles.
Michelle’s performance (she also placed fourth in the 100-meter hurdles) merited her All-American status.
Deztany Toyota-Villalobos, of Sierra Vista, who attends Buena High School, also earned All-American status with Tucson Elite, finishing fourth in the 100 and 200 (15-16 Division).
2025 JET SPORTS TRAINING FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE MONTH HONORS
January 2025: Salpointe basketball player Sidney Anderson
February 2025: Mica Mountain wrestler Madeline Mench
March 2025: Canyon del Oro softball player Amelia Streuber
April 2025: Tanque Verde softball player Claire Achilles
May 2025: Catalina Foothills track runner Katie McNulty
June 2025: USA wrestler Audrey Jimenez
July 2025: All-American track standout Michelle Rushing
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