Camille Lawrence of Sheldon races to victory in 6A girls 400 — with a big assist from Coach

“Having my coach, Kelly Walk, there to support me, right on the 200, really helped. She’s always supported and believed in me.”

By Dan Brood | Photo by Taylor Balkom

If Camille Lawrence needed any help or inspiration, she knew where to find it — right on the corner.

Corner of the track, that is.

Lawrence, a Sheldon senior, knew that’s right where one of her coaches, Kelly Walk, would be standing.

And her coach got to watch Lawrence run to victory in the 400-meter dash at the Oregon 6A Track and Field Showcase on Saturday at Pioneer Memorial Stadium in Oregon City.

“Honestly, having my coach, Kelly Walk, there to support me, right on the 200, really helped,” Lawrence said. “She’s always supported and believed in me.”

Lawrence won the race in a personal-best time of 56.57 seconds, and Walk played a part in that impressive mark.

“I heard her. That got me going,” Lawrence said. “I was happy and excited, especially since I got a PR. I got off faster than I normally do.”

The victory also seemed to be extra special to the Sheldon senior.

“It means everything, especially after missing a season last year,” Lawrence said. “It was really fun. I love the 400.”

Lake Oswego freshman Josie Donelson finished in second place in a time of 57.29. West Linn junior Olivia Iverson was third at 57.82, and Mountainside sophomore Lilly Krisky was fourth with a mark of 57.90.

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