Track Star in Critical Condition After Hammer Hits Her in Face

A 20-year-old track and field star was critically injured when she was hit in the face by a 16-pound hammer thrown by another student during track practice at Sacramento City College.

After 14 hours of surgery Monday, Samira Taylor remained in critical condition at University Medical Center. Her family said she suffered a skull fracture and numerous broken bones in her face, eyes and nose.

Susie Williams, director of community and media relations for the Los Rios Community College District, said initial reports indicated that Taylor had been practicing the discus throw, completed her toss and “for some reason she came back into the (track) area” where the other student was making his throw.

Taylor was a star athlete at Grant and Rio Linda High schools. In 1988, she was honored by the Sacramento Bee as one of the city’s best prep track and field athletes. That year she began the season with the city’s longest girls’ discus throw of 129 feet, 9 1/2 inches. She also had the second-longest shot put throw of 40.2 feet.

Meanwhile, track team member Dave Reneau, 22, who saw the accident, said he remained shaken by what he saw.

“I feel guilty and wish I could accept some of that pain. Tragedy seems to always happens to the good people. And she is such a very, very nice girl. She was a standout athlete--disciplined--and track was her ticket out.”