Teen Runner Breaks Wisconsin State Record in 200-Meter Dash

A high school junior from a small Wisconsin town just became the fastest Division 3 runner in state history.

Juliana Doerner from Mishicot High School broke the Division 3 girls state meet record in the 200-meter dash with a time of 24.04 seconds at the WIAA state track and field championships in La Crosse. The record-breaking performance happened on June 6 at Veterans Memorial Stadium, where hundreds of young athletes competed for state glory.

Doerner didn't stop at one medal. She placed fourth in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.15 seconds, taking home two individual state honors in a single weekend.

Her success was part of a larger story of achievement from Manitowoc and Sheboygan county athletes. Kohler's Maggie Behler earned bronze in the 3,200-meter run (10:49.51) and placed sixth in the 1,600 (5:05.98), showing incredible endurance across two demanding distance events.

Several relay teams also stood on the podium. Mishicot's girls 800 relay team, which included Doerner, finished fourth with a time of 1:44.25. The Kohler girls 3,200 relay earned silver with a 9:30.94 finish.

In Division 2, Sheboygan Falls junior Nora Halverson brought home two medals, placing third in the long jump (18 feet, 0.25 inches) and fourth in the triple jump (37 feet, 4.5 inches). Two Rivers' Malasia Lee finished fourth in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.29 seconds.

The boys teams also shined across divisions. Kohler's Carter Zimmermann earned silver in the high jump, clearing 6 feet 5 inches for the highest finish among boys from the region.

Why This Inspires

These young athletes show what dedication and hard work can accomplish. Many come from small schools in rural Wisconsin communities, where resources are limited but determination runs deep.

Doerner's record-breaking run represents not just personal achievement but proof that talent and grit can emerge from anywhere. Her teammates and competitors proved the same, turning months of early morning practices and countless training miles into moments that will define their high school careers.

Breaking records at the state level puts these athletes on a path toward college scholarships and lifelong confidence. The next generation of Wisconsin runners now has a new standard to chase.