The 2024 IHSA state championship 3A 400m dash turned out to be one of the most exciting races of the weekend
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The Illinois girl's prep track and field world has suffered a season-ending loss of one of its superstars. Chatham-Glenwood senior Katelyn Lehnen recently tore her ACL during a basketball game, and it ended her high school athletic career.
The smiley and affable Lehnen was a star before entering the prep ranks, dominating the scene with blistering 57.90 (400m) and 12.09 (100m) as an 8th grader.
As a high schooler, Lehnen has enjoyed tremendous success through three seasons, clocking outdoor personal bests: 54.68, 23.85, 11.59. Lehnen earned All-American honors in the 200 and 400-meter dashes. Lehnen collected three 3A state titles, winning the 200 in 2022 as a freshman and then winning the 100 and 400 in 2024 as a junior.
Though Lehnen is not yet in the most ardent stage of her rehab, she is faring well. "Right now, I'm doing pretty good considering the circumstances," she added. The landscape of the sprints will undoubtedly be adversely affected. There will be a new Century and quarter-mile state champion, and the scope of the state team trophy titles will be scrutinized.
The MileSplit IL team would like to send well wishes to Katelyn as she moves toward the next level at the University of Illinois.
