Next week, Michaela Rose will be looking for repeat gold medals in the 400mH and 800m while gunning for her first national title at 400m at the AAU Junior Olympic Games. The last time she competed in the 400m at JOs was back in 2016 when she earned the bronze medal.
Last year, she broke the 800m national record for the 15-16 age group with a time of 2:05.53. A repeat performance would put in jeopardy the 17-18 age group national record of 2:07.04 set in 2016 by Gabrielle Wilkinson. Rose enters the meet with a personal best of 2:04.38 set at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor last June.
Looking back on her JOs 800m race last year, Rose was aggressive the first 100m to put herself in position to be at the front of the pack. As the athletes began to cut in, she had the advantage of being right on the inside of lane one. Some of the athletes weren't able to cut in all the way because of her commanding presence near the rail.
As the pack approached the first 200m of the race, Rose snuck through to the front pack of six athletes. She continued to run comfortably with a spring to her stride.
As Rose moved from third to first, she showcased a smooth transition without impeding any runners. She practiced perfect form by remaining tall on her toes and bringing her hands to her chin.
Her form continued to be in her favor as she began to separate from the rest of the field. Rose isn't butt-kicking, either, indicating she's not over-striding.
After completing her first 400m in 1:00.23, Rose opened up her stride. She came off the third turn and she continued adding higher knee lift.
Rose headed toward the home stretch on pace to break Ajee Wilson's record of 2:07.08 set in 2009. She took a quick glance over her left shoulder to check on her competitors.
She continued to sprint down the home stretch toward the finish line, winning by six seconds and breaking the national record.
15-16 GIRLS 800 METER RUN FINALS PLACE ATHLETE TEAM RESULT WIND H# 1 Michaela Rose 11 Virginia Elite 2:05.53 1 2 Micah Trusty 10 Infinity Track Club 2:11.65 1 3 Lauren Tolbert 10 Carolina Express 2:12.22 1 4 Miracle Price 10 Infinity Track Club 2:12.79 1 5 Anastacia Gonzales 10 Hill Country Comets Track Club 2:13.07 1 6 Naomi Clarke 10 Unattached VA 2:13.76 1 7 Alicia Ruiz 11 Lakeland Incredibles 2:13.87 1 8 Eriyanna Reed 10 Team 4 mula 2:16.05 1 9 Victory Ifah 11 Leander Spartans Track Club 2:17.09 1 10 Tamyra Todd 11 Motor City Track Club 2:18.05 1 11 Bridget Flannery 10 Milwaukee Mustangs 2:18.39 1 12 Alyna Lewis Blazers 2:22.55 1
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