On a day filled with pressure and expectations, Karneshia and Lamar Smith, siblings from Jack Yates High School, did what champions do: They finished first.
With district titles at stake in the 800 meters, the duo didn’t just compete; they defended their titles, showing they’re not finished yet. Now, with the Area round coming up, the Smiths aren’t chasing history; they’re protecting it.
“During the last 200 meters, the only thing going through my head was I have to finish strong and leave it all on the track,” said Karneshia, who crossed the finish line in 2:29.94.
Moments after Karneshia powered through her final stretch, her brother Lamar delivered a performance that echoed the same discipline and confidence.
“I didn’t feel any pressure coming into the race, I just executed the race plan my coach and I put together,” said Lamar, who finished in 2:01.51.
“The only difference between winning a title and defending it is that now people know you and understand what you are capable of.”
Lamar Smith
Together, their races showcased not just individual strength, but a shared strategy that didn’t go unnoticed by their coach.
“The thing that stood out to me while watching them run the 800 meters was seeing them execute the race on their own terms,” said Yates boys’ head track coach James Banks. “They did just enough to win while keeping a little in reserve to double back and run the 400 meters later.”
For the Smith siblings, winning wasn’t a surprise; it was expected. Both advanced to the regional round in the 800 meters last season, setting the standard they now continue to meet.
Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender
“The only difference between winning a title and defending it is that now people know you and understand what you are capable of,” said Lamar.
“I feel like people race me differently now compared to when I was a freshman,” said Karneshia. “I feel now they try to push the pace of the race to beat me, but I know that I must stay locked in and run my race while trusting the work I’ve been putting in all year.”
“They both work hard and prepare well, which gives them confidence when the lights come on in big races,” said Banks.
That confidence didn’t develop overnight; it had been growing long before track season. Both runners gained momentum from cross country, where they broke long-standing school records. Karneshia broke a 12-year-old 2-mile school record (13:22.70), while Lamar set a new 5K record (16:34.90), a mark that had stood for 42 years.
“Running cross country prepared me for the 800 meters by helping me build my endurance and become mentally stronger for the 800 meters,” said Karneshia.
Now, that endurance is coming through when it matters most, in the final lap of the 800.
“Some people say the 400 meters is the hardest race, but the 800 meters is the 400 twice, so I just stay focused and relaxed,” said Lamar.
“I feel strongest in the middle of the race, especially around the second 200 meters, because that’s where I can maintain my pace while others start to slow down,” said Karneshia.
“Their willingness to put in the work makes them dangerous in the 800 meters. Both parents instilled that in them at an early age,” said Banks.
Although their races are individual, they have always shared the journey.
“My brother has taught me so much about competing, staying confident, and never backing down from a challenge,” said Karneshia. “He showed me that competing isn’t just about winning, but about giving your best effort, staying focused, and pushing through even when it gets tough.”
That bond extends into practice, where competition drives growth.
Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender
“We compete against each other every day in practice because we want to see each other get better and push each other to our limits,” said Karneshia.
Now, with another district title secured, the focus shifts to the Area round, where execution becomes even more critical.
“Survive and advance,” said Lamar. “Do enough just to get to the next round.”
In the area round, only the top four finishers advance to regionals. Last season, both runners qualified in the 800 meters; Karneshia’s run ended there, while Lamar continued to the state meet, where he was one of two athletes to represent his school as a junior.
“I made it to the UIL 4A State Meet but didn’t finish the way I wanted. This senior season is all about revenge, going back to state and finishing what my junior self couldn’t. My senior self should do that now,” said Lamar.
For now, the Smiths stay ahead, but their season is still in progress. And if their history tells us anything, it’s that they’re only getting started.
For Karneshia and Lamar Smith, winning the district was the standard, not just a goal.
“For them to keep advancing, they will need to continue working hard, run smart, and execute when the time comes, because they’re both physically ready,” said Banks.
