On June 14, 2025, at the Star Athletics Sprint Series in Florida, 18-year-old Maurice Gleaton, shook the foundations of American sprinting.
Facing off against 60m world record holder and seasoned star Christian Coleman, the high school prodigy delivered back-to-back upsets that have left the track and field world buzzing.
In the prelims, Gleaton torched the track with a stunning 9.87 seconds (+2.4 m/s wind), leaving Coleman back in third place with a modest 10.03. Any talk of it being a lucky break was silenced in the pro final when Gleaton stormed to an even faster 9.82 (+2.8 m/s) to beat Coleman again, emphatically. In a season where Coleman has yet to claim a 100m victory and has only managed one sub-10 (a wind-aided 9.93), this latest defeat couldn’t have come at a worse time, three weeks before the U.S. Olympic Trials.
For a sprinter once tipped as the future of American sprinting after his blistering 9.76 personal best, 2025 has been a year of mounting setbacks for Coleman. And now, he’s facing a legitimate new challenger, a teenager whose confidence seems as boundless as his speed.
The Track World Takes Notice
While Gleaton’s times had wind assistance, the raw speed was undeniable. American track analyst and former pole vaulter Colin Waitzman captured the mood on his Track World News segment.
“You’re beating Christian Coleman twice with 9.8s? The confidence has to be through the roof for a high school kid.”
Waitzman further remarked on the generational shift happening in track and field:
“High schoolers are getting wild times now… This new generation is taking it to another level.”
Fellow sprinter Noah Williams echoed the sentiment:
“Absolutely, bro. That kid’s a nut.”
Controversy Beyond the Finish Line
Tempers flared in the aftermath of the pro final when Gleaton reportedly looked back at Coleman as he crossed the line, a gesture seen by many, including Coleman himself, as blatant disrespect. The moment escalated into a heated exchange between the two, with witnesses claiming Gleaton taunted,
“How do you get rolled by an 18-year-old?”
The drama spilled onto social media, with Gleaton posting a bold, victory-laced Instagram story aimed directly at Coleman, transforming what could’ve been a pure breakthrough moment into a budding rivalry.
However, what threatened to turn ugly was diffused hours later. Gleaton publicly apologized via a text shared by Coleman, acknowledging that adrenaline got the better of him and expressing deep respect for both Coleman and fellow sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson.
“whats up christian i wanted to apologize about the altercation earlier with you and shacarri I respect what you told me right after the race i didn’t mean to be disrespectful or anything i truly look up to you and shacarri i was actually excited to race you and meet you two today i hope you can forgive me and i can meet you in the right way. sincerely Maurice.”
Coleman, to his credit, responded with class, accepting the apology and encouraging the young star to reach out anytime.
“All love bro and respect. I ain’t even realize that was you who been doing yo big one in the city. Congrats on everything! Good race today and keep it rollin fasho ! I’m sure we’ll cross paths in the future, no pressure from me at all. You ever need advice or just wanna chop it up at any point during your journey, feel free to hit my phone bro.” He also wrote while uploading the story, “young bull🤝.”
What’s Next for Gleaton and Coleman?
The apology might have calmed tempers, but the competitive fire is very much alive.
Gleaton is expected to compete at Nike Nationals next weekend, where all eyes will be on whether he continues this explosive form or takes a shot at qualifying for the senior U.S. team.
For Coleman, the pressure is mounting. With the Olympic Trials fast approaching and a winless 100m outdoor season weighing him down, he faces a crossroads moment.