Angelina Napoleon, a 20-year-old rising star from Allegany, N.Y., etched her name among the world’s best this week, finishing ninth in the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Her time of 9 minutes, 17.44 seconds made her the top American in the race.
The NC State junior advanced to the championship round after running 9:18.03 in her qualifying heat on Sept. 14. In the final on Sept. 17, she crossed the line with poise, capping off a breakout year that has turned her into one of the brightest young talents in U.S. track and field.
Napoleon’s journey to the world stage began in Allegany, where she starred at Allegany-Limestone High School. In 2022, she set the American high school record in the 2,000-meter steeplechase and went on to earn the 2023 Gatorade Girls Track and Field National Athlete of the Year honor.
After graduating in 2023, she joined NC State and quickly proved herself in the NCAA ranks. She won the ACC steeplechase title in May 2025, set a school record, and placed third at the NCAA Outdoor Championships with a personal best of 9:16.66. That summer, she ran 9:10.72 at the Paris Diamond League, signed an NIL deal with adidas, and finished second at the U.S. Championships to secure her spot on Team USA.
In Tokyo, Napoleon showed the world that she belongs among the elite. Not only did she place top-10 globally, but she also led the way for her country — an impressive feat for a 20-year-old who just two years ago was breaking high school records in Western New York.
Her success is a point of pride for Allegany and the wider community. Congratulations to Angelina on her incredible showing, for representing Team USA with heart, and for inspiring so many with her hard work and determination.
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