8. Mikaela Smith DQed in bid for third consecutive CIF State 800m title
Mikaela Smith of Clovis North High School was supposed to win the 800m for the third consecutive year at the California State Finals this past June. The two-time defending state champion entered the championship meet -- held in her hometown -- with an undefeated record in the event, including a win at the prestigious Arcadia Invitational and three sub-2:10 runs.
The Girls 800m CIF Finals field was the deepest in meet history, as all eight girls on the line ran 2:09 or faster in qualifying. The first girl out -- Juliana Mount -- ran 2:09.55. Smith entered with the second-fastest qualifying time (2:08.6) after winning Prelim Heat 1; Jacquelyn Hill ran the fastest prelim time in 2:08.06.
The fastest field ever made for a tense start on Saturday, June 6. After one false start charged to the field, Smith made the second start her own as she cut in to the first lane within the first 15 meters. The sudden move caused a collision and Smith was spiked above her left heel. She fell down to the track and crawled onto the infield as the runners were called back to the start line.
Smith hobbled and strode out on the grass, as she looked to be testing her feet. She was visibly shaken but looked game for another try -- before officials ruled that she was disqualified for impeding another runner by cutting in too early.
Sophomore Erica Schroeder, the last athlete to make the final, won the title in 2:07.08. Hill finished third in 2:08.59.
Jimmy Stevenson spoke with Smith after her prelim win, before the DQ: