Marauder Track & Field's Kayla Thompson brought home the gold from the 2024 3C2A Track & Field State Championships held at Saddleback College on Saturday. | ORIGINAL RELEASE

She trailed early but had the strongest finish of the nine 400-meter finalists to capture the 3C2A state title. The sophomore from Lancaster High School started in lane four with the SoCal and NorCal champions in front of her. Still, Thompson took control of the race with just 100 meters to go and had the best stretch run off the final curve to finish with a time of 55.54. Her victory was not without a challenge, as she had to fend off a fierce charge from SoCal Champ Elena Mack of Cerritos, who ran a 55.80 for silver, and Esmeray Demirbas of Orange Coast, who placed third at 56.05.

"This was a long time coming for Kayla," head track and field coach Tony Veney commented. Kayla was the No. 1 seed at last week's SoCal Finals and was overtaken 10 meters from the line. Undeterred, Kayla committed herself to a well-designed race plan. That plan and her determination yielded the state title. She has earned a well-deserved rest as she leaves Antelope Valley College as the #3 and #4 400 and 200-meter sprinter on the all-time list, respectively. Thompson is only the 13th individual to win a state title for the Marauders.