Before she was setting class records and dominating distance running on the California and national stages, Sadie Engelhardt took command of the AAU youth competition circuit.
Three years ago at the 2020 AAU Junior Olympic Games, Engelhardt put on a record-breaking show in the girls 14yo 1,500m as she ran her way into the history books.
She clocked an impressive 4:34.18 to win the event over current Lucas Lovejoy (TX) middle distance standout Kailey Littlefield, which beat out the previous age group AAU national record of 4:34.10h set 34 years prior by Melissa Benner.
It came down to big surge from Engelhardt going into the final 200m to earn her the win in the battle with Littlefield.
Engelhardt would also go on to win the 3,000m in 10:05.34, completing the elusive distance double in the 14yo age group.
Related Links:
2020 AAU Junior Olympics meet coverage
2023 AAU Junior Olympic Games meet page
AAU Throwback: Reese Vannerson Answers The Move In The 1,500m
AAU Throwback: Analyzing Erriyon Knighton's Star-Making 200m