On Saturday, May 10, at the Woodridge Wrap-up meet, Hailey Otradovec broke the 400-meter dash stadium record. Previously, the record was 57.68, and Otradovec broke it, running a 57.11.
Going into the race, Otradovec focused on staying relaxed, confident, and focused the whole race.
“I was able to relax by talking with some of the other girls who were also running the 400 before I ran. I made sure to have positive thoughts before and during the race, especially towards the end,” Otradovec said.
To reach this success, Coach Burton has mentored, trained, and pushed Otradovec to be the best runner she can be. Otradovec and her teammates practice for sixty to ninety minutes daily after school. Throughout the week, the team focuses on a different area of fitness each practice. For example, some days are workouts based, while other days are focused on hand-offs and block starts. At the beginning of the season, the sprint team even had a pool day to cross-train and have a recovery day for their legs.
“They (the coaches) always check on me before and after my races and push me to be the best I can be,” Otradovec said.
In addition to her coach, Otradovec recognizes her teammates’ huge role in her success. She mentions how track would not be as fun without them and credits a big part of her success to them.
“Without them cheering me on from the sidelines, I don’t think I would have run as well as I did at Woodridge,” Otradovec said.
Being a current junior, Otradovec has had great success and experience. She advises new runners to stay calm before the race to ease the pressure. Her teammates enjoy racing and practicing with her. Leah Gambacinni emphasizes how Otradovec leads the team by example.
“Hailey is always open to trying new things and taking on the challenges that she faces,” Gambaccini said.
Otradovec runs the 100, 200, 400, 4×100, 4×200, 4×400, and 4×800. Going into the postseason, she will focus on the 4×4 and 400. She hopes to qualify for the state meet and attend New Balance Nationals, a huge meet with the top runners in the country.
