She lines up on the track for a race she believes she will not win. Her heart is racing as she waits to start the race, but when she hears the crack of the gun, the nerves wash away and she realizes what she needs to do to take the victory.

Junior Izzy Wilson placed first in the 800 meter race at the Canyon Invitational track meet Friday, March 6, with a time of 2:18.83.

“I wasn’t expected to win this race,” Wilson said. “I was expecting third place. I was running against Karyss Beltzen, and she held the record for the state’s 5A girls’ 800.”

Wilson said she felt uneasy before she started the race.

“I was really nervous getting on the line because there was a lot of pressure from Coach Baca,” Wilson said. “I was just going to try and keep up with the leader and pass her at the finish, and that’s what I did.”

Wilson paced herself behind the leaders until the end of the race.

“I started out the race pacing myself behind Beltzen and Chloe Smith, and then in the last 100 meters of the race, my body kicked in, and I sprinted until I passed Chloe,” Wilson said. “I was able to reach Beltzen, and we crossed the line at the same time.”

The race came down to a photo finish and Wilson won with a time of 2:18.83 while Beltzen placed second with a time of 2:18.85. Wilson said winning this race and running for Canyon High is one of the greatest things in her life.

“Running for Canyon is such a blessing because I’m able to do what I love every day, and I get tons of support from my teammates and coaches,” Wilson said. “I’m so grateful to be in this amazing track and cross country program, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the grace of God and my loving team.”