It's difficult to grasp the rarity that is the Denners' accomplishment. A 1st and a 4th in the 1600, with Maddy repeating as champion. A 1-2 finish in the 3200, with Elena winning after placing 4th last year, and Maddy placing 2nd for a second consecutive year.
Collectively, Maddy and Elena just missed bringing a state team title to Oak Ridge. As it ended up, after the meet was over, the distance twins -- headed to Michigan and Notre Dame, respectively -- were there on that awards stand holding the runners-up trophy, their golden-orange hair glistening in the reflection of stadium lights hardly necessary with their wide bright smiles seemingly illuminating all of the Central Valley.In an interview after the 3200, the sisters were asked to reflect on their legacy but instead shared insight into a bond only twins could fully understand.
"Watching from coming around the turn on the last lap in the 16," Elena began, "I saw Maddy and I'm like, 'man, that's my sister.' "
Elena then turned to her right to speak directly to Maddy.
"You give me strength," she told her twin. "I'm going to miss that a lot. I'm going to miss not racing in the same jersey. I feel like we're always still going to be a team, even in college. It's so amazing that we have each other and we train so well and race so well together."
"In the 32, I was really tired on that last lap," Maddy began in response. "When you took the lead, it gave me strength to push through and try to get second behind you. When you pass me, it gives me an urge to run faster."
Said Elena, with as wide a grin as is imaginable: "Good."
