The WIAA Girls 100 Meter Dash Division 3 final on May 29, 2026, delivered thrilling moments as athletes from across Wisconsin competed at Bangor High School. The event, part of the Bangor Sectional meet, showcased the region’s top sprinters in a race that combined speed, strategy and determination. The results have already sparked conversations about the future of high school track and field in the state.
Official results from the WIAA confirmed that Emily Torres of Jefferson High School claimed victory with a time of 11.85 seconds, setting a new sectional record WIAA. Her performance not only secured her spot in the state championships but also highlighted her potential as a rising star in Wisconsin track. The race, held under cloudy skies, saw Torres edge out runner-up Maya Nguyen of Waupaca High School, who finished with a time of 12.12 seconds.
The competition was fierce from the starting gun, with six athletes vying for the top positions. Torres, a junior, demonstrated exceptional acceleration, pulling ahead in the final 20 meters. “I’ve been training for this moment all season,” Torres said after the race. “I knew I had to stay focused and trust my preparation.” Her victory marks the second consecutive year a Jefferson athlete has won the 100-meter dash at the Bangor Sectional.
Key Performances and Records
Torres’ time of 11.85 seconds not only broke the sectional record but also placed her among the top 10 fastest 100-meter dash performers in WIAA history for Division 3. The previous record, set in 2023 by Madison Kowalski of Fond du Lac, stood at 11.91 seconds. Officials noted that Torres’ time could qualify her for the state meet, pending confirmation from the WIAA’s athletic eligibility committee WIAA.
Maya Nguyen’s second-place finish was also notable, as it marked her first podium finish in a sectional meet. Nguyen, a senior, said she was “proud of how I pushed through the final stretch.” The third-place finisher, Lily Carter of Menasha High School, recorded a time of 12.21 seconds, earning her a spot in the state championships as a non-qualified athlete due to a tiebreaker rule.
The race featured several other standout performances. Aisha Patel of Stevens Point High School, who finished fourth with a time of 12.28 seconds, became the first athlete from her school to qualify for the state meet in the 100-meter dash since 2018. Meanwhile, local favorite Sarah Lin of Bangor High School, who finished fifth, received a standing ovation from the crowd for her spirited effort.
What’s Next for the Athletes
The results from the Bangor Sectional will determine the competitors who advance to the WIAA State Track and Field Championships, scheduled for June 4–5, 2026, in Madison. Torres, Nguyen, and Carter are expected to compete in the state meet, where they will face athletes from across Wisconsin. The state championships are a highly anticipated event, drawing thousands of spectators and media coverage each year.
For Torres, the sectional victory is a significant milestone. “This is just the beginning,” she said. “I want to prove that I can compete at the highest level.” Her coach, Mark Reynolds, echoed her sentiment, noting that Torres’ performance “demonstrates the hard work and dedication she’s shown this season.”
The Bangor Sectional also served as a platform for emerging talent. Patel and Lin, both juniors, will gain valuable experience at the state meet, where they aim to improve their personal bests. “This is a great opportunity to learn from the best,” Patel said. “I’m excited to see how I measure up against the top athletes in the state.”
Emily Torres of Jefferson High School dominates the WIAA Girls 100m Dash Division 3 with a new sectional record of 11.85s! 🏃♀️💨 #WIAA #TrackAndField
&mdash. WIAA News (@WIAANews) May 29, 2026
Looking Ahead
The WIAA State Track and Field Championships will be the next major event for these athletes. With the sectional results finalized, the focus now shifts to preparing for the state meet, where the top competitors will vie for individual and team titles. The state meet is also a critical qualifier for national championships and college scholarships.
