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WATCH THE 2022 AAU JUNIOR OLYMPIC GAMES LIVE ON FLOTRACK
JULY 30 - AUG. 6
Often overlooked, one track and field event frequently produces electrifying batttles to the deligh of fans and athletes -- the race walk.
Look no further than the 2021 AAU Junior Olympic Games held last summer to find one competition that came down to a mad dash to the line.
Matthew Maerz of Katy Express (TX) and Kadesh Lott from Navarre Express (FL) walked stride-for-stride with each other for a large portion of the boys 10-year-old 1,500m race walk, and come the bell lap, neither was letting the other speed ahead.
It took a lean at the line from Maerz to take the title in a race that had spectators on their feet.
Maerz's 9:46.76 just barely beat out Lott, who finished just a tenth of a second behind him in 9:46.86.
Not only did Maerz garner the win, but he and Navarre produced one of the most exciting and eye-catching moments of the 2021 JOs.
Check out the video footage from that thrilling race walk matchup.
The 2022 AAU Junior Olympic Games will take place from July 30 - Aug. 6 on the campus of North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, N.C. Visit the 2022 meet page to follow coverage leading up to the event.