Charleston – One thing crossed Abby Persinger’s mind when she crossed the finish line in the 100-meter dash Saturday.
“I’m on such a high!” Persinger smiled. “This is crazy! Now I know what it feels like to win first place.”
Indeed she does. Persinger posted a PR of 12.51 seconds, claiming the Class A 100-meter state championship Saturday at the state track meet at Laidley Field in Charleston.
The victory capped a remarkable comeback story and career for Persinger who couldn’t run last year due to a partially torn ACL and finished as a state runner-up in basketball her sophomore year.
She made it back in time for basketball this past season, propelling her in track.
“Basketball is a way rougher and way more harsh sport,” Persinger said. “This, you just have to run. Being able to be comfortable with my knee in basketball season gave me comfort here.”
Winning was a fine line for Persinger who finished second in the trials Friday but made sure to address those issues. She got off to a good a start and separated in the final 30 meters to secure victory.
“Yesterday there was a false start and it really freaked me out and I started really slow,” Persinger said. “I hesitated when the gun went off and so I had to make up a lot of ground and I was like, ‘Today I’m not doing that. I’m going for gold today.'”
