Mariah and Mia Maxwell during training in Oregon (© World Athletics Media Academy 
Zara Linneman)
It might be rare to see siblings – let alone twins – compete in the same event, but for Mariah and Mia Maxwell, it’s an everyday experience.
After taking the top two spots in both the 100m and 200m at the US U20 Championships at Hayward Field, the Maxwell twins are side by side yet again at the World Athletics U20 Championships Oregon 26.
Mia and Mariah Maxwell at the pre-event press conference in Oregon (© World Athletics Media Academy 
Loyal Acree)
The last time the sport saw sprint twins compete at this level together was at the 2022 World U20 Championships in Cali. Jamaica’s Tia and Tina Clayton, who were also teammates at the 2021 edition in Nairobi, formed part of Jamaica’s gold medal-winning 4x100m team at both global competitions, Tina adding individual 100m titles to her haul. Both sisters went on to compete in the 4x100m at the World Championships in Tokyo in 2025.
The Maxwell sisters will be seeking similar success as they go on the medal hunt in the 100m, 200m and relays in Oregon.
“It's honestly not as difficult as people may think,” Mia said when asked about navigating competition against her sister. “Individually we're both track athletes, and I think that's what comes first. We both came here to compete, we both came here to get gold. And no matter what the outcome of each race will be, we're always going to be there for each other.”
Mia Maxwell in action in Oregon (© Getty Images)
As this competition will conclude their U20 age-group journey, there is a chance for them to come out with multiple medals at home.
Asked at the pre-event press conference about their medal goal for the week, Mia replied: “As much as I can. I’m going to compete regardless.”
Mariah added: “As many medals that we can come home with, I’m not going to complain.”
Their competition schedule opened with the 100m heats and semifinals on Wednesday (5) and they both cruised through to Thursday evening’s final – Mia going quickest overall in the semifinals with 11.13 and Mariah clocking 11.25. The 200m begins with the heats on Friday.
Their support for each other is clear.
Mariah Maxwell competes in Oregon (© World Athletics Media Academy Benjamin Fox)
Both sisters have been asked about the potential end to this sibling rivalry.
“I feel like we are both open to doing what's best for ourselves, and if that means splitting up, then that's the thing that's going to be,” Mariah said.
Mia added: “I feel like we're going to split apart eventually, yes, but it's not a sad thing. It's honestly like a beautiful thing.
“Regardless of where our paths go, we're still going to be consistent with each other.”
These sisters have continued to make their mark. Many young athletes want to follow in their footsteps.
“Trust the process. We didn't start running track until eighth grade,” said Mia, the older of the twins by one minute, when asked for her advice for young athletes. “I would have never thought I'd be here, at a press conference, with everybody interested in what I have to say.”
Offering her own input, Mariah added: “Be patient and make your own journey. It's easy to compare yourself, (but) everybody's story is different.”
Sofiah Gravley for the World Athletics Media Academy
