Semira Killebrew runs record 11.24, becomes fastest U.S. high school girl of 2019

In the time it takes to tie your sneakers, Semira Killebrew’s track spikes carried her into Indiana high school history.

The Brebeuf Jesuit sprinter won the 100 meters Saturday night in 11.24 seconds in the Brooks PR Invitational at Seattle. Not only did the two-time state champion break Indiana’s all-time record, she became the fastest American high school girl of the year.

More:Indiana loves speed — and in girls track, there's more of it than ever

In a telephone interview with IndyStar, Killebrew said the scoreboard changed before she could see her time. When she learned it was 11.24, she said:

"I was just completely shocked. My mouth flew open. I didn't know what to think."

Killebrew’s previous best was 11.50 at last month’s Marion County meet. She won state titles in 11.55 last year and 11.63, into a headwind, on June 1. The 18-year-old is a University of North Carolina signee.

Wind in Killebrew’s 11.24 race was 1.6 meters per second, under the allowable 2.0 for records. Kenondra Davis of Fort Worth, Texas, finished second in 11.36.

"I think that was my fastest and strongest start of the whole season," Killebrew said. "I just got out and executed and lifted my knees."

The previous Indiana record was 11.39 by Warren Central’s Candyce McGrone at the Shelbyville Sectional in 2008. The state meet record, 11.41, was set by Pike’s Lynna Irby in beating Killebrew in 2017.

The year’s fastest high school girl, at 11.02, is 17-year-old Briana Williams. She was born in Miami, Fla., but represents Jamaica internationally. Last year, Williams became the youngest ever to win gold medals in the 100 and 200 meters in the under-20 World Championships.

Killebrew said she thought her time might be a personal record because she was so relaxed during the race. Although she expected a good time, she was "not ready for a time as fast as that."

She will run the 100 meters next weekend in the under-20 USA Championships at Miramar, Fla. She will attempt to make the team for the Pan American Junior Championships, set for July 18-21 at San Jose, Costa Rica.

Contact IndyStar reporter David Woods at david..woods@indystar.com or call 317-444-6195. Follow  him on Twitter: @DavidWoods007.