Girls compete in the 2026 UIL 4A 1600m
2026 UIL Track and Field State Championships
The UIL 4A girls' 1600-meter final developed into one of the most anticipated distance races of the meet as defending champion Addyson Bristow of Canyon returned to the track fresh off her dominant 800-meter victory earlier in the day. But this time, she wasn't the only Canyon runner carrying momentum. Freshman teammate Presli Pool, who had already won the 3200 meters in record-setting fashion earlier in the meet, lined up beside Bristow to create a compelling battle of champions.
With regional qualifying marks under 5:00 from both Canyon athletes and Canyon Randall's Brooke French also in the field, expectations pointed toward a fast race. Instead, the opening stages turned tactical.
The pace through the first 1,000 meters remained controlled, with the field staying tightly packed as French and Corina Joyce helped manage the early rhythm. The runners came through 1200 meters still bunched together around 3:58-4:00 pace, setting the stage for a dramatic final lap rather than an all-out record attempt. At the bell, the Canyon duo of Bristow and Pool surged decisively to the front, quickly separating themselves from the rest of the field while French fought to remain attached. What followed over the final 300 meters became a Canyon ISD showdown.
UIL 4A Girls 1600m
Bristow's experience and finishing speed ultimately proved too much to overcome. After passing through 1200 meters in 3:58.57, the reigning champion unleashed a powerful 1:01.40 final lap to secure the state title in 4:59.96, becoming the only athlete under five minutes. Pool matched Bristow nearly stride for stride throughout the final lap and closed strongly with a 1:01.67 final circuit, finishing second in 5:00.52 in an outstanding double following her 3200-meter title. French held on for third in 5:02.19, giving the race three athletes under 5:03 in a highly tactical championship.
Behind the front trio, Salado sophomore McCall Boyd and Wimberley sophomore Joyce battled throughout the race before finishing fourth and fifth in 5:09.30 and 5:09.67 respectively. Huffman Hargrave senior Celeste Cantu and Lindale senior Abigail Kelley remained within striking distance through the opening three laps before fading slightly over the final 400.
Although Bristow's 2025 state meet record of 4:48.64 remained untouched, the race still delivered one of the most compelling distance battles of the weekend. Rather than a paced time trial, the championship became a tactical duel between two Canyon stars - one an established champion, the other a rising freshman phenom. In the end, Bristow's finishing speed and championship experience allowed her to defend her title, but Pool's performance ensured the future of Canyon distance running remains exceptionally bright.
Girls compete in the 2026 UIL 4A 1600m
2026 UIL Track and Field State Championships
The UIL 4A girls' 1600-meter final developed into one of the most anticipated distance races of the meet as defending champion Addyson Bristow of Canyon returned to the track fresh off her dominant 800-meter victory earlier in the day. But this time, she wasn't the only Canyon runner carrying momentum. Freshman teammate Presli Pool, who had already won the 3200 meters in record-setting fashion earlier in the meet, lined up beside Bristow to create a compelling battle of champions.
With regional qualifying marks under 5:00 from both Canyon athletes and Canyon Randall's Brooke French also in the field, expectations pointed toward a fast race. Instead, the opening stages turned tactical.
