By Oscar Martines
At the California Community College Athletic Association Track and Field State Championships, Fernando Valenzuela fell short of landing a spot on the final podium in the Men’s 400 Meter Dash.
Valenzuela crossed the finish line in last place with a time of 50.53 seconds, despite timing 2.76 seconds behind the first-place winner.
Milton Browne is Valenzuela’s coach in track and field.
“He was very disappointed in himself because he had very high expectations coming into the race. He attempts to put the most effort out of every race he competes in,” Browne said.
Even though Valenzuela’s final race of the season ended without a medal, he still impressed in many of his races throughout the entire season.
At the Arnie Robinson Invitational, Valenzuela won placing first in the Men’s 400 Meter Dash with a time of 48.54 seconds, keeping his undefeated streak alive.
Valenzuela also finished in the top 15 of the Men’s 200 Meter Dash at the invitational.
In the Men’s 400 Meter Dash that saw him qualify for the State Championship, Valenzuela finished fourth with a time of 48.63 seconds.
Valenzuela managed to beat out the time that would automatically qualify him for the State Championship by 0.01 seconds.
Valenzuela’s talent is a major reason he was able to make it to the State Championships. Browne said he feels there is a lot left for Valenzuela to learn.
“One of the things we’ve taught him is to be patient because he wants everything to happen so fast,” Browne said.
Through determination and hard work, Valenzuela left it all on the track to make it to the very end of the season. Despite not finishing the season the way he hoped for, Valenzuela is still able to be proud of everything he accomplished.