In June, Sammy Watson decided to skip her New York state championship meet -- ultimately, she missed a section qualifier -- in favor of a professional race at the adidas Boost Boston Games in early June.
It paid off when the Rush Henrietta (NY) High graduate posted a personal best in the 800m of 2:00.78 -- putting her No. 3 all-time and No. 6 on the junior list -- and took second-place overall.
On Sunday, after going at it again against a stacked field of professionals and collegiate runners at the USA Championships in Sacramento, finishing sixth in 2:00.99, she commented on the decision.
"I had done so much in high school. I broke national records. I won national titles," said Watson, who owns the indoor national record in the 600m, 800m and 1000m. "I wanted something new. I wanted to build myself."
The future Texas A & M track ultimately has done that, marking quite a future moving ahead.
But then again, Watson believes she still isn't finished.
"I know there are (AAU) Junior Olympics, so I might work on a couple 1500s for that," she said. "Just because I love racing. I'm sad I won't got to the championship meet, but I want to get better."
Don't be surprised if you see Watson at a qualifier in the near future.
