Akala Garrett (Albemarle) has been one of the most dominant hurdlers in high school history. Her name has been up there with the ranks of Sydney McLaughlin and Anna Cockrell. Friday at the NCHSAA 1A State Championship, she finally surpassed Cockrell's previous state record in the 300m hurdles.
Garrett opened her day Friday with the prelims and finals of the 100m hurdles, which she cruised through easily and victoriously.
She fought off the rain in her first event, but the weather had turned around just in time for the 300m hurdles.
All eyes shot over to Garrett when the starter raised the starting gun. From the jump, Garrett was dominant. She came around the track at an absolutely blazing pace. The packed crowd roared as she made her way down the home stretch. If anyone was paying attention, they knew this could be a historic moment. And it was.
Garrett collapsed to the ground, almost scared to look at the clock. She garnered the courage to look up to the scoreboard, and her eyes lit up immediately.
40.42.
She couldn't believe it. She pointed to the sky as the emotion in her face was as clear as could be.
Garrett has established herself as the greatest sprinter this state has ever seen. And now she knows it.
A new state record, and the 7th best time in high school history.
Flashback to earlier this season, Garrett became the first athlete in state history to dip under 12.00 in the 100m hurdles. In the process she took down Cockrell's previous state record of 13.17. She plans on competing at Nike Outdoor Nationals this summer.
Akala Garrett (Albemarle) has been one of the most dominant hurdlers in high school history. Her name has been up there with the ranks of Sydney McLaughlin and Anna Cockrell. Friday at the NCHSAA 1A State Championship, she finally surpassed Cockrell's previous state record in the 300m hurdles.
Garrett opened her day Friday with the prelims and finals of the 100m hurdles, which she cruised through easily and victoriously.
