Sammy Watson Becomes No. 3 All-Time 500m Performer
Sammy Watson continued her impressive two-year undefeated streak in events 800m and shorter vs. high schoolers by recording a blazing 1:11.75 in her first-ever 500m. That time ranks No. 3 on the all-time performer list behind Chanelle Price (1:10.3 national high school record) and Devon Williams (1:11.44).
The time is the fourth-fastest performance in prep history, as Williams also ran 1:11.53 while in high school.
Lauryn Ghee of Grassfield, Va. ran 1:13.61 for runner-up honors. She previously occupied Watson's spot in the all-time rankings, as her personal best is 1:11.78.
Watson, who ranks No. 2 all-time in the 1K, was scheduled for a national record attempt in that event vs. No. 3 all-time Kate Murphy. Unfortunately, the Oregon recruit pulled out of the 1K after anchoring Lake Braddock High to a new national DMR record with a monster 4:37 1600m leg. Watson won the 1K in a new national leader of 2:48.18, three seconds off her best time, while Rachel McArthur took second in US #2 2:49.25.
Watch the VA Showcase 1K: