El Paso Panthers Perform Well at Nationals
El Paso, Texas, August 6, 2026 –The El Paso Panthers Track & Field team is celebrating a record-setting performance at the 2026 USATF Junior Olympics Track & Field National Championship in Norwalk, California, taking place July 27-August 2, 2026.
The Panthers closed their 2026 season with 31 national qualifiers, 23 athletes competing at the national championship, and 20 All-American honors across 11 events. The team’s 20 medals surpass the previous season record of 14 medals set in 2025.
The championship performance included multiple individual and relay podium finishes, with Panther’s athletes competing among the nation’s top eight in distance, steeplechase and relay events.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- 20 medals and All-American honors — a new El Paso Panthers season record
- 31 national qualifiers
- 23 athletes competed at the national championship
- 11 events produced All-American honors
- Two silver-medal relay performances
- One individual bronze medal
- Multiple top-eight national finishes
INDIVIDUAL STANDOUTS:
- Kareena Talavera: 4th, 2000m Steeplechase; 4th, 17 & 18 Women 3000m; 8th, 17 & 18 Women 1500m
- Aden Gomez: 3rd, 2000m Steeplechase — Bronze Medal
- William Carreto: 8th, 17 & 18 Men 3000m
- Miranda Jauregui: 4th, 11 & 12 Girls 3000m; 6th, 11 & 12 Girls 1500m
- Jeremiah Valadez: 7th, 7 & 8 Boys 1500m
RELAY HIGHLIGHTS:
17 & 18 Mixed 4×800 Relay — 2nd Place, Silver Medal
Anthony Mediano, Haelee Enriquez, William Carreto and Kareena Talavera
13 & 14 Boys 4×800 Relay — 2nd Place, Silver Medal
Lovell Silva, Giancarlo Briggs, Jayden Hunt and Aden Gomez
11 & 12 Boys 4×800 Relay — 8th Place Nationally
Aidan Arroyo, Paul Flores III, Noah Lira and Antonio Talavera
WHY IT MATTERS:
The 2026 USATF Junior Olympics marks the most successful season in El Paso Panthers history, with the team setting a new medal record and earning national recognition through individual and relay performances.
The Panthers congratulate all athletes, coaches, families and supporters who contributed to an outstanding 2026 championship season.
Photos courtesy: Panthers Track Club
