LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Six years ago, Grace Stark was making headlines in Michigan as the fastest 100-meter hurdler in state high school history. This summer, the former White Lake Lakeland High School standout will take her place among the world’s best at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

On June 30 in Eugene, Oregon, she secured her spot on the U.S. Olympic team by placing third in the 100-meter hurdles at the U.S. Olympic Trials. Her new personal-best time of 12.31 seconds narrowly edged out former world champion and Olympic silver medalist Nia Ali by 0.06 seconds.

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This achievement caps an extraordinary month for Stark. Specifically on June 8, she concluded her collegiate career at the University of Florida by winning the NCAA national title with a time of 12.47 seconds.

Stark’s high school career was equally impressive. She was a state champion in the 100-meter hurdles during both her junior and senior years, and also secured a state title in the 100-meter dash as a junior. Her record-setting time of 13.16 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles at the state championships remains the fastest ever recorded by a Michigan high schooler. Furthermore, her second-best time of 13.24 seconds at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals solidified her legacy, with no other high school athlete in Michigan coming close to these times.

Stark’s Olympic journey begins on August 7, when she will compete in the opening round of the women’s 100-meter hurdles at Paris’ Stade de France. In this event, athletes must clear 10 hurdles, each standing 33 inches tall, over a 100-meter distance.