They say the first time is a charm and for Miami Northwestern'sThomas Burns that held true at this weekend's New Balance Nationals Outdoor. In his first time running the 400m hurdles, the rising senior had a head to head match up with current national leader and University of Florida signee Cory Poole of New Jersey and Charle Brockman III of Texas. Burns hung with the group as they came around the curve and then pulled ahead to get the win in a US#1 mark of 50.63s and 20th best all-time (according to our database.)
Less than two hours later, the younger brother of former Miami Hurricane and current Pittsburgh Steeler Artie Burns, joined his 4x400m teammates on the track in Greensboro. Burns received the stick in second and nearly missed pulling out the victory with an incredible anchor split of 44.58 seconds. Cory Poole, who came up short against Burns in the 400m hurdles, helped his East Orange Track Club (NJ) team to a 3:11.69 to 3:11.71 victory.
The meet concludes an excellent junior year for Burns who was second in the 110m hurdles at state, broke the state meet record in the 300m hurdles with a time of 35.90, and followed that up with a 35.20 to win the Great Southwest Classic in New Mexico. Speaking of New Mexico, the speedster teamed up with fellow Floridians Jamal Walton, Tyrese Cooper, and Sean Burrell of Louisiana to run 3:03 and change. We can't wait to see what he has in store for the 2017-2018 season.
More Coverage
- 2017 New Balance Nationals Outdoor Meet Page (Complete Results/Coverage)
- Thomas' Athlete Profile
- Boys 400m Hurdle Rankings
