Track and field: Johnson breaks records, takes three firsts at JO state meet

• Johnson sisters

Contributed Patricia Johnson (left) and Wensia Johnson (right) both earned spots in the regional Junior Olympic USA_track and field championships after their performances last weekend at the state competititon. Patricia will be advancing in the long jump in the midget girls' division, while Wensia advanced in the youth girls division in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and the long jump. She broke records in the 100 and the long jump.

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Alexandria’s Wensia Johnson may be only 13, but she has already set some lofty marks in the world of track and field.

Johnson recently competed in the Junior Olympic USA track and field Minnesota state championships in St. Louis Park, bringing home three first place finishes, and breaking two state records along the way.

Johnson’s first record, and first gold medal, came in the long jump as she jumped 5.33 meters, or 17’6”, breaking the old mark of 5.31 meters, set in 2010 by Shaina Burns.

She then cruised to first in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.50, and put her name in the record books as she sliced 0.06 off the previous record, set in 2009 by Elise Anderson.

Johnson also dominated the 200-meter dash for a third gold medal, running the event in 25.90 and finishing more than a half-second ahead of the second place runner. She was just 0.67 off the state record in that event.

The track and field competitor will now compete in the regional meet next month against athletes from Minnesota as well as five other states.

Johnson’s younger sister, Patricia, 11, competed in the championships, finishing third in the long jump, seventh in the 100-meter run and 10th in the 200-meter run.

Her third in the jumping event also qualifies her for the regional meet.

Tags: alexandria sports, sports, track, and, field, johnson, usa, junior, olympics