In the sprinting world, things can change, like South Florida weather. One moment, it's hot and humid, and the next minute, it's raining like cats and dogs. Checking one's health and mental status is something that coaches and opponents alike are akin to.
Illinois has a tremendous fleet of returning talent, which will captivate the fandom this winter. The top five girls are back and ready to destroy.
Chicago Public League rivals Angelena Bullocks and Mariyah Robinson represented Whitney Young and Simeon, respectively, last year. Both shared the state-best 7.51, but Bullocks won the only head-to-head contest at the city indoor meet. Robinson garnered her most prominent victory, taking out a fabulous field at the Illinois Top Times.
Katelyn Lehnen is finally a senior at Chatham-Glenwood and ready to perform on the biggest stage when it's all said and done. Keep in mind that she is still on the basketball team at the peak of the season. Based on this, it appears as though she will start her 2025 campaign later than usual. Lehnen ran 7.52 last year and is the third-fastest returner. Lehnen may open up at the New Balance Indoor Nationals, depending on when the hoops season ends.
Chicago Kenwood senior Kee'Lani Whitlock peaked last year when she won the Dr. Conrad Worrill Invite title in 7.54. That was during the first weekend of February. She finished her season with a fourth-place finish at ITT.
Symone Holman (Jr., Joliet Catholic Academy) is the current state leader at press time with a mark of 7.62. Holman is also a standout in the long jump and has been healthy thus far in the early stages.
Courtney McDonald (Sr., Plainfield East) is a well-known name in the sprint game, particularly in this event, where she has a 7.62 PB. She had encountered some injuries during the outdoor season but appears to be on the up and up.
In the sprinting world, things can change, like South Florida weather. One moment, it's hot and humid, and the next minute, it's raining like cats and dogs. Checking one's health and mental status is something that coaches and opponents alike are akin to.
Illinois has a tremendous fleet of returning talent, which will captivate the fandom this winter. The top five girls are back and ready to destroy.
Some of the fastest girls in the state reside within the city limits of Chicago (Jorge Espinosa photo)