Alief Taylor High School senior uses past failure to fuel run to state in 2 events

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- For Alief Taylor High School's McKale Lee, it's hard to contain her excitement. Lee qualified for the mile and half-mile runs in the regional meet, punching her ticket to state in both events.

Lee's dream is a story we can all learn from.

"If you fall seven times, get back up eight times," she said.

She learned a tough but valuable lesson at last year's area meet.

"Last year I fell," she said. "I fell flat on my face in the area meet on the back straight, the first 200 meters. I fell, and I tried to get back up. I tried to get back in the race, (but) the race (was) over."

Last year's fall ended her season and dreams of running at state, but only fueled her determination.

"This year, just showing up, giving it my all, remembering I'm capable, (has) helped me push me to be where I am today," she said.

Where she is today is the number one 800-meter runner in the state. She is way out in front of her competition.

"It takes serious concentration. It takes dedication. It takes losing, it takes gaining. It takes showing up every single day. Showing up," she said.

Now, McKale will smile all the way to the state track meet in Austin next weekend with the confidence and mindset of a winner.

"I'm going to state for the first time ever," she said. "I'm just really excited. I'm really proud of myself."