2022 Gary Parker Invitational Recap

Zaya Akins continues to put herself on the radar of college coaches.

She already has been garnering interest but the junior Raytown South surely garnered more notice after setting the fastest time in the country in the 400-meter dash at the Gary Parker Invitational last month.

The star who won state championships in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dash last year and won the 200 and 400 events at the meet held at Peve Stadium at Blue Springs High School.


In her state championship time of 54.29 in the 400 was No. 20 in the nation and tops among juniors. During this meet, she still has the best time for juniors but now the best in the nation by running 53.06.

Akins had three 'elite' performances during the meet, part of 26 total between the boys and girls.