Norwalk junior sprinter Claire Farrell had another state track meet to remember last weekend in Des Moines, placing 2nd in Class 4A in all four of her events and setting two personal records along the way.
Farrell placed 2nd in the individual 100, 200 and 400-meter races and also anchored the Norwalk girls to 2nd place in the sprint medley relay, helping the Warriors finish as the Class 4A team runner-up with 50 points.
Farrell’s state meet began on Thursday, May 19, when she qualified for the finals of the 100 and 200-meter dash with strong prelim races. She finished the day by attempting to defend her 2021 state title in the open 400. Farrell clocked a season-best time of 56.06 seconds, placing 2nd to Cedar Rapid Prairie’s Gabby Cortez.
On the morning of Saturday, May 21, the Norwalk sprint medley relay team of Marin Randall, McKenzie Koerselman, Raegan Levi and Farrell placed 2nd to Cedar Rapids Prairie with a time of 1:47.39.
Farrell then capped her state meet by placing 2nd to Sioux City West standout Holly Duax in both the 100 and 200 finals. Farrell gave it all she had, clocking impressive PR times of 11.88 and 24.56 seconds, respectively.
“I’m happy with what I did. I got some good PR’s and I ran against the best in Iowa and I stuck strong and I stayed close to them,” Farrell told KNIA-KRLS Radio following the meet. “Of course I am disappointed with not getting the gold, but overall I’m just happy with my (times). If I have a good time, then I can’t really be upset.”
Farrell added that she felt as prepared for state as she had for any meet all season, and said her race execution was on point. She admitted to being “a little upset” about not defending her 400 title, but tipped her hat to Cortez.
“I lost to a good girl and I respect her a lot and I’m proud of her,” Farrell said.
After taking a short break from the sport, Farrell said she will go back to work and begin her club track training in June as she keeps her focus on some big goals for 2023.
“It definitely helps me stay on top of things (and) keep my form down,” she said. “Club track helps a lot. I think a lot of people should start doing it.”