SAN ANTONIO – Harlan High School product Tate Taylor is one of the fastest sprinters in the country and is chasing his goal of becoming the greatest American sprinter of all time.
Guided by club coach Kevin Schexnayder, known affectionately as “Coach K,” Taylor has made significant strides in his sprinting career. His decision to skip his entire senior UIL season to compete against elite professional athletes illustrates his commitment and long-term development strategy. This approach, built on trust between coach and athlete, has proven successful in honing Taylor’s skills.
Recently, Taylor showcased his exceptional talent by defeating a field of professional athletes to win the 200 meters at the prestigious Prefontaine Classic. He clocked an impressive time of 19.75 seconds, achieved despite a challenging -0.9 meters-per-second headwind. This victory not only highlights his speed but also marks him as the first U.S. high school athlete to win a Diamond League 200-meter event.
Taylor’s achievement capped a remarkable season where he has already broken the national high school record twice. His time of 19.75 seconds ranks near the top of the 2026 world list and surpasses any time posted by the renowned sprinter Noah Lyles during his high school years.
The excitement surrounding Taylor’s potential as one of America’s most promising young sprinters continues to grow. His next major goal is to compete in the World U20 Championships before embarking on his collegiate career at Texas Tech University, where he hopes to further develop his talents and continue breaking records.
