Thomas Burns' steady rise up the 300m hurdles charts has been impressive in 2017.
The Miami Northwestern (Fl.) junior has been arguably the most consistent hurdler in the nation competing at an elite level. The proof has been in his performances:
- 35.81 - GMAC Championship, March 25
- 36.12 - Bob Hayes Invitational, March 18
- 36.04 - Sam Burley Hall of Fame Invitational, March 4
- 36.55 - Spartan Invitational, February 25
- 38.03 - Louie Bing Invitational, Feb. 18
It's no surprise Burns has leapt into the all-time rankings, moving up to as high as the No. 22 fastest time ever recorded in high school -- he's the 19th fastest 300m hurdler ever, too.
But to get an accurate depiction of his development -- and how small the margin is at his level -- just take a look at the rankings presented in the slideshow.
Below Burns, we've also seen major improvement from Houston Langham Creek (Tx.) High junior Eric Edwards and Houston Cypress Falls (Tx.) senior Devall Harris, too.
And Snellville Shiloh (Ga.) senior Julian McDuffie, a football recruit with offers from Ball State, Colorado State, Georgia State and Villanova, has been the nation's most improved 300m hurdler overall, cutting 11 seconds off his best from 2016.
Click on to view the progression from the top 300 hurdlers from a season ago, as well as the most improved from year to year.