ISSUE 4 • SPORTS 21
Sprinter finds success on track Cate Dudley | Editor-in-Chief
L
ined up at the start, eight girls get set up in their blocks, waiting for their cue. The gun goes off and they drive out through their starts up to their top speeds, and a Bishop Kenny athlete makes a clear lead. The race is over in a matter of seconds with junior Gabby Johnson taking first. This is how many of Johnson’s races go, and she currently holds district, regional and state champion titles. Johnson has been a member of the varsity track team for three years. She started racing in middle school and now competes in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m and 4x400m. In 2022, Johnson had a highly decorated State Championship Series. During the 2022 District Championships, Johnson broke three school records in one day in the 200m, and also in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays. She qualified for Regional Championships and State Championships in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m and 4x400m. She placed top 5 in each event at Regionals, with both relay teams breaking their own records from Districts, the 4x400m placing first overall. During the final State Championship meet, Johnson medaled in the 200m, and her team medaled in the 4x100. The highlight of the night was when the 4x400m relay team broke its own record for the
fourth time in a row, taking the State Championship first place title. Johnson has an extensive athletic background; when she was younger, she played basketball and softball, practiced ballet and ran cross country. These sports, she says, prepared her for the mental and physical aspects of intense practices and races. When she is in training, she prioritizes breaking down the parts of a race and perfecting each section. “I try to focus on all my weaknesses, [like] getting my start down and keeping it accurate,” Johnson said. Johnson plans to continue her athletic career in college. While she does not have any official offers yet, she is talking to many college coaches and holds letters of recognition from universities for her success. Despite her success on the track, Johnson faced challenges many high school students can relate to. “[Something that impacted my life was] coming to a new high school, because no one from my middle school came here, so it was like a whole different world. I had to make all my friends by myself and grow up,” Johnson said. Track helped Johnson to have a community. The effects of the positive relationships that Johnson has formed with coaches and teammates are evident through her take on the team.
“Everyone always wishes you the best and congratulates you on your success or new PR’s,” Johnson said. If it weren’t for all of my coaches…I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today.”
