Three Predictions For The Season Ahead: 4A

Taylor James Dominates, Everything

Predicting that Taylor James will dominate the state isn't much of a prediction as it is a statement of fact, or, a statement of what's most-likely.

The Niwot junior claimed three state titles last spring, taking the 200, 400, and 800. And in her two-and-a-half-years of high school competition, she owns four state titles.

She owned the fastest 1,600 heading into the state meet, but opted out of the event since she could only compete in three events. (Lizzy Harding did top James' time by one second at the state meet with a 4:58 clocking.)

James is a the top returner in a staggering four events, and the No. 2 returner in the high jump. 

It's safe to say the two-time defending 800 state champ has her pick at what she decides to dominate. 

So the question shifts from "What will she dominate" to "How many records can she claim?"

A year ago she set the 4A state meet record at 2:08.29 (and later ran 2:05.83 at lower elevations.)

The state meet records for the 200 is 23.42, the 400 is 52.95, and the 1,600 is 4:45.27.

James' PRs in those events?

24.76 in the 200, 54.25 in the 400, and 4:59.35 in the 1,600.

She's within reach...

While upon first glance it might seem like she's got a ways to go based on outdoor PRs, she's already proven to be way ahead of where she was at this time last year. 

During the 2020 indoor season she ran 1:36 in the 600 - compared to 1:39 a year ago, 2:11 in the 800 - compared to 2:18 in 2019, and 4:49 in the mile at lower elevations ( a 10-second PR.) 

As I've written too many times already, if the season does launch off the blocks, the only question is: How fast will James run?

Her list of personal bests speak for themselves: