The Scoop: Best State Championship Weekend Ever?


* Chris Johnson wins the 3A 200m in a state meet record of 20.40 in Florida.

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Fast Performers Take Center Stage At Florida Outdoor Championships


Some athletes gave "Florida fast" a whole new meaning at the FHSAA State Championships this weekend.

Showdowns in one of the deepest track and field states in the country resulted in many meet records and new nationally-ranked performances.

One of the best showings of the championships came at the 3A boys level as Dillard's Chris Johnson continued to exemplify why he's one of the best sprinters in all of Florida.

Johnson, a Miami football commit, completed the 100m-200m double, winning the 100m in 10.25 (+2.5) and the 200m in a speedy 20.40 (+1.7).

That 200m effort surpassed the previous 3A record set by Cleveland Browns receiver Anthony Schwartz when he starred for American Heritage.

On the girls side of 3A, the sensational sophomore Aleesa Samuel from Somerset Academy Pembroke Pines continued to prove her talent in the hurdles and sprints, winning the 100mH in 13.67 (+0.6) and also grabbing titles in the 100m in 11.44 (+3.3) and 200m in 23.84 (+1.3). 

That triple made for one of the most dominant displays of the entire Florida championships across all divisions.

Outside of 3A, the 2A boys 400m race provided one of the top highlights as a handful of the state's fastest quarter-milers went head-to-head chasing a state title. In the end, it was junior Micahi Danzy of Florida High School who pulled away over the final stretch to win in 46.11

Danzy, Port Orange's Aidan Dixon and Hialeah-Miami Lakes senior Mekhi Gammons all clocked sub-47 second times to stand atop the podium.

Sprints may have taken center stage in Florida this weekend, but distance athletes also showed out in record-breaking fashion. Patrick Koon of Leon clocked a state meet record of 8:58.83 to win the 3A boys 3,200m, and Miguel Pantojas took care of business in the 800m with a FL No. 1 mark of 1:50.30 in the 4A 800m boys final. 

Team battles saw the dominant Miami Southridge program win the 4A girls title and Niceville secure first in the boys competition. At the 3A level, Miami Northwestern girls and Ponte Vedra boys went home with the team trophies.

For even more coverage from the FHSAA Outdoor Championships, be sure to visit our meet page.


Page 6: South Carolina Sprint Stars Take Home State Titles

Page 7: Riggs, Morgantown Girls Cruise At West Virginia State Championships