Track Athlete Claims Victory with Somersault Following Tumble at Finish Line
Image: realsports/Depositphotos (Not an image from the actual event.)
Tripping in public isn’t the best scenario, especially during a race. It can lead to losing the contest or suffering injuries. But that was not the case for Brooklyn Anderson, a young track athlete from Oregon. When Brooklyn stumbled at the girls’ 100-meter hurdles at the Oregon State Track & Field Championships, she performed a somersault across the finish line, securing first place.
A video captures Brooklyn, a junior at Thurston High School, snagging her right knee on the last hurdle—prompting spectators to gasp audibly, especially since she was significantly ahead in the race. Instead of collapsing completely, she tucked her head and executed a double somersault, finishing the race nearly on her back. In spite of the fall and the unconventional finish, she achieved a time of 14.93, winning the race.
“All I recall is tapping into my gymnastics background and just somersaulting over that line,” she recounted to The Oregonian. “I wasn’t aware of how far behind everyone else was, so I knew I had to just keep rolling, to keep going, because I really wanted to secure first.”
The young star also mentions how no one cheered for her as passionately as they did when she made that remarkable recovery. Reflecting on seeing her name in the top spot on the scoreboard, she expressed, “I was just incredibly proud. Very, very happy.”
Brooklyn shared a video of her fall on Instagram, expressing gratitude to her fellow competitors for an unforgettable championship. “Wow, what an unforgettable season. Year 3 is certainly one to remember,” she states. “Thank you all for the support, and especially to the most fantastic group of girls a girl could finish a race with. You all are amazing. GO COLTS.”
In addition to her now-renowned performance in the 100-meter hurdles, Brooklyn also participated in the girls’ 100-meter race, finishing fourth; the girls’ long jump, where she earned third place; and the girls’ 4-by-100-meter relay, where her team placed 10th. Beyond these accomplishments, Brooklyn has become a poetic symbol of how a stumble doesn’t always take you out of the race—it may simply lead to a different route to victory.
For countless runners, a fall can signify losing the race. But not for Brooklyn Anderson, a young track star from Oregon.
When Brooklyn stumbled during the girls’ 100-meter hurdles at the Oregon State Track & Field Championships, she executed a somersault to the finish line, clinching first place.
“All I recall is drawing on my gymnastics experience and just somersaulting over that line,” she shared.
Watch Brooklyn Anderson somersaulting over the finish line.
Brooklyn Anderson: Instagram