Gabrielle Jennings of First Baptist Christian is a 37-time state champion in junior year. But this past weekend, she may have topped all the titles in setting the Louisiana All-Time State Record of 4:50.8 for 1600m.
The time is converted from her runner-up finish in the full mile (4:52.50) at the Music City Distance Carnival at Vanderbilt last weekend. Morgan Ilse of Marist, Ga. won the event in 4:51.21.
Watch the video below as Jennings breaks the record.
The nine-time Georgia state champion and Nike Cross Nationals finalist Ilse led wire-to-wire. Jennings ran most of the race in fourth place behind Isle, Rebecca Story and Hailey Hendry. The quartet entered the bell lap with 3:40 on the clock, well under five-minute pace. Jennings made her move, running into second position behind Ilse as the duo pulled away to finish just off the meet record.
Jennings entered the race aiming for a sub-4:55, but said she doubted whether she could pull off a two-second personal best.
"I knew my training was there and I was ready for it, but it's so different to actually get out there in a race and really do it," she said. "I was actually so surprised when I crossed the line and looked over to see that the clock hadn't even turned to 4:53. I felt like I wanted to pass out, but after seeing that time, I was so excited that I started crying as I hurried over to my dad and pawpaw. We were all so happy!"
Jennings usually extends her season to race at New Balance Nationals at the end of June in Greensboro, North Carolina. But in 2015, Jennings will take a break to recoup for cross country. She has suffered from nagging injuries each of the previous cross country seasons and wants to make sure she can go out on a big note in her senior year.
"I've had so many problems in the past few years when it comes to cross country, so I really want to prove myself because this is the last chance I've got," she said. "And what better way to start senior year than leaving junior year with a 4:52.50! I'm starting to find that with me, confidence is key."
