Rising Star: Natalie Dumas Dominates High School Track Scene

Fueled by a remarkable drive and a determination reminiscent of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, Natalie Dumas is redefining the landscape of high school track and field. This young athlete’s journey began with a simple desire to bond with her sister, but has transformed into an extraordinary career marked by record-breaking performances.

The Track Journey Begins

Dumas, a 17-year-old from Voorhees, NJ, initially joined the track team to spend time with her older sister, Kadence, who was preparing to graduate from Eastern Regional High School.

“I started track with not really much of an intention to do it all four years of high school,” Dumas shared. “Then I saw my times getting better. … It got me interested to see what times I can hit if I ran faster.”

Remarkable Growth and Achievements

Within a few years, Dumas has evolved into a formidable competitor. During her junior year, she shattered New Jersey track records, claiming three national titles at the New Balance National Championships in June. Here’s a snapshot of her achievements:

• 400-Meter: 51.14 seconds (state record)
• 400-Meter Hurdles: 55.99 seconds
• 800-Meter: 2:00.11 (broke the New Jersey high school record)

Dumas’s 400-meter performance places her among the elite, standing as the sixth fastest in U.S. high school track history. Notably, her time in the 400-meter bested the state record she shared with Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

A Fearless Competitor

Dumas embraces the pressure of competition without the fear of losing.

“I honestly don’t fear losing,” she stated. “I have that motivation that not as many kids would. I don’t think I’m capable of losing … I’ll go out there and I’ll be like, ‘I don’t wanna lose this race no matter what,’ so I put everything on the line.”

This mindset was evident in her gripping finish during the 400-meter race, where she gave her all and literally fell across the finish line to secure victory.

Mental and Physical Training

Dumas attributes her success not just to physical training, but also to mental toughness—traits she admires in athletes like Kobe Bryant. Her father, Robert, commented on her work ethic:

“She’ll find a way to fit in a workout. There’s no one that’s going to outwork her,” he said. “That extra workout or that extra bit of work makes the difference.”

Dumas has even enlisted her parents to assist in her training when teammates aren’t available, showcasing her commitment to excellence.

Future Aspirations

As she approaches her senior year, Dumas has narrowed her college choices to several prestigious programs:

• Arkansas
• Miami
• Florida
• Georgia
• Vanderbilt
• Duke
• South Carolina

“I am looking to definitely go pro,” Dumas expressed. “I want to go pro, I want to go to that next level and I hope to have everyone see me in the Olympics one day.”

Stay Updated

To keep track of Natalie Dumas’s remarkable journey and to witness her future competitions, you can follow her on Instagram.

In summary, Natalie Dumas is not just a rising star; she’s becoming a significant force in track and field, promising to leave an indelible mark on the sport. With her unparalleled dedication and aspirations to compete at the Olympic level, the track world eagerly awaits her next moves.