Lennex Walker is simply too young to realize how difficult her accomplishment really is.
Just two weeks after deciding to train for the pentathlon, the Arts & Sciences sophomore used sheer athletic ability and determination to finish second in the grueling five-event competition at Monday’s state meet at Middle Tennessee State University.
After returning home more than 12 hours after her day began, Walker said she was ready to go back and compete in four individual events Thursday.
“It has been a long, grueling day and I’m tired, but I’ll be ready to go for sure by Thursday,” said Walker, who finished third in both the 100 and 200 meters as a freshman last spring and has qualified to compete in the triple jump, long jump, 100-meter hurdles and 300 hurdles later this week. “I feel great, actually. I’m kind of surprised I’m not as tired as I thought I would be.”
Grenetria Shell of East Nashville finished with 3,242 total points to Walker’s 3,030 in the Class A/AA competition. Brainerd junior Jamee’ Ward, a basketball star competing in varsity track for the first time, finished third with 2,851 points, and Signal Mountain’s Aryn Sanders was sixth.