On an unusually cool May day in Charleston, Ill., Homewood-Flossmoor’s Adia McKinnon doubted she could set a record in the 400-meter dash in the Class AA state track finals.
She had talked about it for months and thought about it for years, but the 50-degree temperature chilled her hopes–but not her spirit.
With 7,000 spectators on their feet, almost willing her to run faster, McKinnon won the 400 in 52.91 seconds, the fastest time in state history. She broke the previous record of 53.25 set in 1988 by Carmelita Williams of East St. Louis Lincoln.
Overwhelmed by her achievement, McKinnon collapsed on the track.
“I was praying,” she said. “I said, `Thank you, God, for letting me do what I wanted to do.'”
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It seemed she never had a problem reaching her goals, usually winning with ease.
Her victory in the 400 was nearly 4 seconds faster than the runner-up. She also won the 100 in 11.92 and the 200 in 24.23, becoming the fourth sprinter in state history to sweep the sprints.
Earlier that day, she helped H-F win a state title in the 800 sprint medley relay for the third straight year. She had a part in 40 of H-F’s 47 points in the state meet, good for third place in the Class AA team standings. It was H-F’s first trophy at a state meet in track.
In four years, McKinnon won six individual state titles, including three straight championships in the 400. She won medals 10 times.
She will head to UCLA this fall to chase another deam–the 2004 Olympics.