Lake Oswego High School’s Mia Brahe-Pedersen proved her mettle as she competed against formidable opponents in the first qualifying heat of the women’s 100 meters at the USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships. The event, held at Hayward Field, saw Brahe-Pedersen facing Olympic medalist Jenna Prandini and Sha’Carri Richardson, who boasts an impressive wind-aided time of 10.57 seconds this year.
Despite the tough competition, Brahe-Pedersen held her own. The Lake Oswego junior finished strong, securing a third-place time of 11.05 in her heat, automatically advancing to the semifinals scheduled for Friday. Richardson claimed the top spot in the heat with a time of 10.71, followed by Brittany Brown at 10.96. Brahe-Pedersen outperformed Nike professional Kayla White and Prandini, who placed fourth and fifth, respectively.
Notably, both White and Prandini also advanced to the semis as time qualifiers, making it the fastest of the four preliminary heats. The challenging lineup became apparent when the lane assignments were announced. Brahe-Pedersen received the news while on a Fourth of July boat ride, awaiting fireworks. She jokingly recalled feeling a sense of sickness upon hearing the announcement.
Despite her young age and pending high school year, Brahe-Pedersen had already caught the attention of sports apparel giant Nike. The Beaverton-based company signed her to a Name, Image, and Likeness deal, recognizing her potential. While she could have opted for the less demanding USATF U20 Championships, held simultaneously, Brahe-Pedersen was determined to embrace the challenge. In addition to the 100 meters, she plans to face tough competitors in the 200 meters as well.
Reflecting on her decision, Brahe-Pedersen expressed satisfaction, noting that it was a commendable choice. To combat nerves, she sought solace on Wednesday night, finding a deserted track to engage in a light workout as the sun set. The serene session allowed her to envision a calm state of mind before her race.
Following Thursday’s preliminaries, Richardson, known for her captivating performances, offered some encouraging words to Brahe-Pedersen. The Olympic hopeful commended her talent and advised her not to worry about external factors.
With the semifinals on the horizon, Brahe-Pedersen remains steadfast in her approach. She plans to stay true to her routine, asserting that she will not alter her mindset. Perhaps she will adopt a more aggressive approach, but her determination remains unshaken.
As Brahe-Pedersen progresses in the championships, she aims to continue defying expectations. Her tenacity and commitment to challenging herself have earned her a spot among the track and field elite. The Lake Oswego athlete’s journey continues as she strives to make her mark in the upcoming events.