Why does Gretchen's approach cause tension for Squeaky in "Raymond's Run" by Toni Cade Bambara?

Squeaky has the reputation of being the fastest girl in her age group and always takes first place at local races. She is depicted as a confident, driven young girl, who is extremely competitive. As the May Day races approach, there is a new competitor who threatens Squeaky's reign as her age group's fastest runner. In the short story, Gretchen is the new girl, who also has the reputation of being a fast runner. Since Gretchen is new, Squeaky is unsure about her abilities but remains confident that she can beat her. When Squeaky initially meets Gretchen, Gretchen is walking with Squeaky's enemies, who also happen to be her former friends. Despite the fact that Gretchen does not say a word to Squeaky, her presence is intimidating. When Squeaky declares that she will take first place again, Gretchen simply smiles and doesn't feel threatened by Squeaky's confidence. Overall, Gretchen's approach causes tension because she is a new girl, who will be competitive and challenge Squeaky at the upcoming May Day races. Gretchen is also not intimidated by Squeaky and is walking with Squeaky's enemies when they initially meet.

In Toni Cade Bambara’s short story “Raymond’s Run,” Deborah Elizabeth Hazel Parker, also known as Squeaky, feels tension when Gretchen approaches because she perceives her to be an adversary.
Not only is Gretchen the new girl in town, she also has a reputation for being a good runner. When Gretchen moves to Harlem, a number of Squeaky’s so-called “friends” change their allegiance and become friends with Gretchen. This changes the dynamics of Squeaky’s social circle in a detrimental way. When she sees Gretchen and her group of friends walking toward her, Squeaky has to decide whether to confront them or slip into a storefront until they pass.
Squeaky, always up for a challenge, stands her ground. As the rest of the girls bicker, Gretchen silently scrutinizes Squeaky by placing her hands on her hips and walking around her with a fake smile on her face. This makes Squeaky more determined to prove she is the superior runner when she and Gretchen face off in the May Day race.