Most people in Bellevue might not realize that our community is home to one of the fastest middle schoolers in the country and quite possibly the world.
Meet 13-Year-Old Jaiya Patillo. Jaiya is the #1 ranked seventh grade 400 meter female sprinter in the United States by Milesplit.com with a time of 57.60s (although she has already beaten her own time with 56.90s).
Jaiya currently holds three records. She was the first female middle schooler to win a collegiate-level track meet, at South Dakota State University’s Last Chance Track Meet on February 19, 2022. The meet was open, meaning track clubs, high school, and unattached track and field athletes were invited. Open track meets are not subject to NCAA rulings, so no violations occurred. She also set the record for the youngest female achieving a 17 mph run on a treadmill in January 2021. In November of 2021, she broke her own record, while still twelve years old, reaching 18.5 mph. In the process, videos of Jaiya’s fantastic display of speed went viral three separate times on ESPN Sportscenter social media platforms.
The local speedster has also been featured on various news broadcasts and documentaries worldwide, including CBS This Morning with Gayle King, Access Hollywood with Mario Lopez, Whistle Sports-No Days Off, Ruptly TV in Germany, and ZoomTV in The Netherlands. Jaiya has amassed more than one billion views across multiple social media platforms.
Jaiya moved to Bellevue with her parents, Kevin and Sheree Patillo, a few years ago. Jaiya’s mother, Sheree, is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force, and the family transferred to Offutt Air Force Base in June of 2017. “When we arrived at Offutt AFB, we had no idea it was the home of the largest fieldhouse in all of the Department of Defense, containing a 700-meter indoor track”, said Sheree. “Of course, this was a goldmine for then 8-year-old Jaiya, and it continues to pay great dividends for her success on the track today, at the age of 13!”
Sheree also mentioned how much the family has come to love Bellevue. “We’ve truly enjoyed our time in the Bellevue area, especially when finding out it is one of the best places to raise a family! It has presented a safe and family-friendly environment, with just the right amount of fun and entertainment!”
Jaiya recently took some time out of her busy schedule to talk about running, school, and the future.
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Bellevue Times: What is a typical day like for you?
Jaiya Patillo: As a homeschooler, I usually participate in live lessons and complete assignments by 1 pm. I like to do art, play games, or do other fun activities during my free time. In the afternoon I go to track practice, and in the evening I have dinner and spend time with family.
BT: What is your favorite school subject?
JP: My favorite (and best) subject is Math.
BT: What is your least favorite school subject?
JP: My least favorite subject is Social Studies.
BT: What are the distances you usually compete in?
JP: The 200 meter and 400 meter.
BT: Who are your coaches and/or team that you practice with?
JP: My dad is my coach and I practice with Air Force Airman stationed at Offutt Air Force Base.
BT: What is your greatest strength?
JP: My greatest strength is the ability to create, most times I can visualize something and make it happen.
BT: What is your biggest weakness (or challenge)?
JP: My biggest weakness is when I overthink situations. There are times when I put more thought into something (like a race strategy or school assignment) making it more complicated in my mind than it really is.
BT: How do you handle stress and pressure?
JP: Knowing that I have God, my family, and supporters there for me, and remembering all the training and hard work I put in will pay off. As long as I try my hardest and do my best, I can always be proud of myself.
BT: What is your greatest accomplishment so far?
JP: I made history as a 7th grader when I won a collegiate track meet. I also set the record for the fastest treadmill run for a 12-year-old at 17mph, then reset it at 18.5 mph while still 12 years old. Both went viral on ESPN and have been featured on CBS This Morning with Gayle King, Access Hollywood with Mario Lopez, and multiple other news stations throughout the country and abroad.
BT: What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t running?
JP: Modeling, art, tennis, singing, and dancing. I model for Justice and Walmart Fashion and am the very first Powered By Girls Ambassador for the Justice brand.
BT: What are some short and long-term goals you have?
JP: I plan to become a 13-Time Junior Olympian this summer, I aspire to be in the 2024 Olympics, and one day I plan to have my own art museum.
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If you’d like to know more, here are a few ways you can follow Jaiya’s career
Jaiya’s TikTok Page: https://www.tiktok.com/@jaiyapatilloofficial
Jaiya’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_CtqMRd1scbWazsKLa0g8g
Jaiya’s Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/jaiyapatilloofficial/
