8u AAU 60m Indoor Champion. #1 8 & Under AAU sprinter in the 100m, 200m, and 400m across Tennessee and Mississippi. 3x All-American.
You decide who will be named Youth Athlete of the Year, featured in a 3BRAND ad in Sports Illustrated, and take home $25,000
She has a genuine passion for the sport and takes the initiative to conduct her own film study. Her father accompanies her on runs through their rural neighborhood in Walls, Mississippi. When asked if she has an interest in pursuing another sport, she consistently expresses her dedication to track and field. She enjoys all aspects of track from indoor to outdoor seasons she loves to train, compete, and see results from her hard work and dedication.
Her grandmother has been a profound source of inspiration in her pursuit of excellence. Laila faced significant adversity following the passing of her grandmother, Julia Bell, in April. As a symbol of faith and remembrance, she wears her grandmother’s Pandora necklace during every race. Laila finds strength in the belief that her grandmother is with her on the track, and she credits her continued success this season to the enduring presence of her grandmother’s spirit.
During the 60m indoor finals, she initially trailed behind but demonstrated remarkable determination to secure the victory. In that moment, it became clear that she possessed the drive and potential to significantly improve her times in the 100m, 200m, and 400m for the outdoor season. She began the season ranked outside the top 100 and has since ascended into the top 10 in all three events. Her progress reflects not only her talent but also her unwavering dedication.
Vote for Laila to become the Youth Athlete of the Year while supporting two great causes! Cast your free daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation—supporting the V Foundation for Cancer Research and Why Not You Foundation.
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