Mia Brahe-Pedersen And Sophia Beckmon Wear Different Uniforms, But They're Always Cheering For One Another

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Both national champions, both centerpieces of title-contending teams, and best friends, Mia Brahe-Pedersen of Lake Oswego and Sophia Beckmon of Oregon City are two of the standouts that will compete at the Oregon high school track and field championships at Hayward Field this weekend. 

Brahe-Pedersen, a sophomore, has redefined excellence in girls sprinting in Oregon and has run 11.34 for 100 meters and 23.23 for 200 meters. 

One of the biggest storylines of the weekend is her pursuit of the state records in the events, which trace back to 1968 Olympian Margaret Johnson-Bailes. Roosevelt senior Lily Jones, also one of the country's best sprinters, is closing in on the record time (11.30) in the 100. 

Another storyline to follow is Beckmon's attempt to crack the 20-foot barrier in the long jump, which would be a first in state history. She has gone 19-11 (April 29) and 19-10 (May 13) in her last two meets. 

They will be cheering for one another, no matter what that means for the team competition. This year's Lake Oswego and Oregon City teams are two of the most talented in state history. 

"It doesn't really feel like a loss if you get second; it's more like a win when you know your best friend is winning," Beckmon said. "I'm perfectly fine with it."

Brahe-Pedersen and Beckmon go back together for many years as club track teammates and are currently part of The Inner Circle Track Club outside of the high school season. 

When Brahe-Pedersen won the 200 meters at Nike Indoor Nationals in March in New York, Beckmon can be heard on the race video screaming with delight at the finish line. 

Beckmon, who won The Outdoor Nationals long jump title last summer, even cheered for her friend at a recent-four team Three Rivers meet during the 4x400 relay. 

When that drew consternation from Oregon City athletes on the infield, Beckmon wasn't hearing it.

"Come on. It's Mia!" she shouted.

The feeling is mutual. Brahe-Pedersen said the next best thing to competing at a meet is watching and appreciating her friend's big moments.

"I love seeing her succeed," Brahe-Pedersen said. "Sometimes I come to the meets, and yeah, I'm going to do my events, but if I can watch her long jump that makes the day for me."

Both teams have a pair of all-time state record holders, which creates a state meet scenario that has never been seen before and heightens this weekend's anticipation. 

Lake Oswego also has junior Kate Peters, one of the top distance runners in the country, who will try to sweep the 1,500 and 3,000 this weekend. Her younger sister Ana Peters is also a factor in both events.

Another standout, Josie Donelson, is the top entry in the 400. 

Oregon City has the state's best hurdler in Harley Daniel, who owns the all-time state record in the 300-hurdles (42.23). Sisters Grace Leasure and Lucille Leasure are also talented supporting pieces. 

Between the two teams, LO and OC could win as many as 10 events. It appears now that Lake Oswego has the upper hand with the Peters sisters poised for big points in the distances. 

"I love having her around," Brahe-Pedersen said of Kate Peters. "We don't get to talk a lot at practice, because she's with the distance (group) and I'm doing sprints, but I love seeing her compete. It's a privilege and I love having her on the team."

Oregon City won last year's 6A Showcase, which was the replacement meet for the OSAA Championships, which were canceled for the second year in a row in 2021. 

Boys 1,500 and 3,000

The anticipation is also building for blockbuster races in the Class 6A finals in the two distance races. 

Tualatin's Caleb Lakeman and Aaron Lakeman, South Meford's Michael Maiorano, Franklin's Charlie North, Lincoln's Aiden Smith, Central Catholic's Wes Shipsey and Max Girardet, Jesuit's Jacob Nenow and Sherwood's James Crabtree are part of races Friday (3,000) and Saturday (1,500) that figure to be close, fast and dramatic. In addition, Tyrone Gorze of 5A Crater will be trying to run state-leading times in his races. 

And a new contender has emerged in 6A, as Sunset's Benjamin Balazs won the Metro League titles in the 1,500 (3:54.00) and 3,000 (8:16.88) last week.

Balazs is the eighth boy in the state this year to run under 8:20 in the 3,000. Five more have gone under 8:25. 

Twelve have run under 3:53 in the 1,500. 

Girls 800

Another of the state's best matchups, and one that has been overshadowed this year by the girls sprints and boys distance races, is the competition between Chloe Foerster of Jesuit and Maggie Williams of Summit. Foerster and Williams are the second- and third-fastest 800-meter runners in state history and have pushed one another to greater times over the past two seasons. 

Foerster is looking to go under her best time this season (2:05.80) and Williams is seeking to lower her best of 2:08.51. Both ran slightly faster in 2021. 

Summit of Bend is facing a realignment that will put the school back into 5A next season.