Why does squeaky change her impression of Gretchen at the end of the story?

At the end of the story, Squeaky changes her impression of Gretchen because she recognizes her as a worthy competitor and begins to appreciate her determination and hard work. This shift occurs during the race, where Squeaky sees Gretchen's commitment and realizes that they share a common passion for running. Additionally, Squeaky's newfound respect for Gretchen symbolizes her growth in understanding the value of friendship and sportsmanship, moving beyond rivalry to acknowledge the strength in others.