When Kala Funderburk made the final turn last Saturday in Eugene, Oregon, she knew she was running a good race.

The Florida State sprinter felt like she was near the lead in the NCAA 400-meter finals. She felt like she had a chance. But out of Lane 8, which is almost impossible to win from, she had no way of truly knowing how close she was.

"You can't see anybody," Funderburk said. "And I knew when I made my move I had to really commit to it. And I did. I think I made it at the perfect time."

When she crossed the finish line, she thought she had gotten second. She didn't know she had won until the ESPN cameraman ran up to her. When Funderburk realized she was the national champion, she screamed. Then fell to the ground.

"I was beyond overjoyed," Funderburk said. "I couldn't believe it."

In St. Petersburg, Florida, Leroy Funderburk was on the ground, too. He had just watched his daughter, out of Lane 8 mind you, win the national championship. And he was as stunned as Kala was. And more overjoyed.