Delaware 8-Year-Old Breaks National 100-Meter Record

An 8-year-old from Bear, Delaware, just became the fastest kid in her age group in America, and her first question afterward was whether she could go swimming.

Emeri Cotton traveled over 1,000 miles to Des Moines, Iowa, on August 4th for the AAU Junior Olympic Games, where she demolished both the 100-meter and 200-meter races in her division. Her 100-meter time of 13.67 seconds broke a national record that had stood for three years.

The AAU Junior Olympics represents the biggest stage for youth track and field in America. Founded in 1888, the organization hosts thousands of young athletes every summer across a 12-day competition that celebrated its 60th year in 2026.

But Cotton's parents, Amber Wise and Sam Cotton, aren't letting the records go to her head. They've kept her grounded with an emphasis on humility, hard work, and just being a kid.

"She'll break a record and then walk off and say, 'Can I go swimming now?'" Sam Cotton told NBC10. That balance between competition and childhood fun sits at the heart of the family's approach to Emeri's growing talent.

Running runs deep in the Cotton family. Emeri's grandfather founded the Cotton Club Posse, a local running club based in Bear that trains at Middletown High School. The family club gave Emeri her start and continues to support young athletes in the community.

Her mother knew the record was within reach. "I was just excited because I know that Emeri has a goal, she knew what the record was and that she wanted to break it, so that is what she was working toward all year," Wise said.

Sunny's Take

There's something beautiful about watching an 8-year-old chase a dream with laser focus, then immediately ask about pool time. Emeri Cotton represents the best of youth sports: dedication without losing joy, excellence without losing perspective, and record-breaking speed without losing the chance to just be a kid. Her parents understand that protecting her childhood matters as much as nurturing her talent, and that wisdom might be the real win here.

Now back in Delaware, Cotton will return to running with her family club and spending time with friends before her next competition. One national record down, and a whole childhood of possibilities ahead.