Photo: Kendall Johnson runs towards the finish line in the 800 meter as she passes competitor Mary Nesmith to secure the state title in the final stretch during the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Class 7A Track & Field State Championship event.
LOWNDES CO. – Lowndes High School track state champion Kendall Johnson brings home the gold at the recent Class 7A State Championship.
Release:
In a stunning display of athleticism and determination, Kendall Johnson, a junior at Lowndes High School, emerged victorious in the 800 meter run at the Class 7A State Championship in Carrollton, GA. Johnson clinched the title in one of the most closely contested races of the day, dethroning the previous state champion, Mary Nesmith, with a remarkable time of 2:12.58. This performance not only secured her the state champion title but also set a new Lowndes High School record for the event, which she has now broken three times.
The race, described as a roller coaster by GA MileSplit, lived up to its billing an event to behold. Johnson’s triumph was a testament to her strategic race execution and mental fortitude. She shared insights into her approach during a post-race interview, highlighting the importance of cadence and focus. “The main thing I was trying to focus on was my cadence throughout the first lap and try to block out all the other runners and focus on my race,” Johnson said. “Then when we entered the last 100 or 150, I was fighting, thinking about my family and teammates up there.”
Johnson’s ability to summon extra energy in the final stretch was crucial to her victory. When asked how she managed to maintain her drive to the finish line, she credited her rigorous training regimen. “My training, where we focus on driving through the finish no matter who’s beside you,” she explained. This perseverance was evident as she held off Nesmith, finishing just half a second ahead.
Throughout her journey, Johnson has been guided by the wisdom of her coaches, Coach Joseph Robinson and Retired Coach Hiram Johnson, who emphasize a positive mindset and control over focus, attitude, commitment, and effort. This philosophy has clearly resonated with Johnson, as she advised aspiring 800 runners to adopt a similar approach. “Coach Robinson tells us, ‘have a positive mindset to have a positive outcome.’ He also refers to the four things you can control which are your focus, your attitude, your commitment and your effort,” she shared. “And that’s what I focus on throughout my race and before to get me prepared for the 800.”
Johnson’s victory is not only a personal achievement but also a significant moment for Lowndes High School’s track and field program. Her continuous improvement and breaking of school records set a high standard for future athletes. As she looks ahead to her senior year, Johnson’s focus and determination will undoubtedly inspire her teammates and competitors alike. In addition to the state 800 meter run, Johnson was also a runner for the 7A state 5th place 4×800 meter relay team that recently set a new school record and the 7A state 4th place 4×400 meter relay team.
The 2024 GHSA 7A State Championship will be remembered for Kendall Johnson’s extraordinary performance in the 800 meter run, a race that showcased her exceptional talent, resilience, and the spirit of a true champion.
