Senior Kieran White made history on Feb 19 at the Maryland State Indoor Track Championship, winning the 3,2000-meter race with a time of 9:33.88 minutes. Not only did he secure the victory, but he also made it by a remarkable 0.09-second margin.
Reflecting on the race, White described it as a battle between him and one other runner until the final laps when he made his move and pulled ahead.
“It was a really interesting race,” he said. “I overtook him in the last few laps and won by a pretty close margin.”
Being a top athlete requires discipline both on and off the track. White credits his success to staying focused in school and managing his time wisely.
“I had to lock in and get my work done during school hours because I needed eight to nine hours of sleep every night for training,” White explained. “A lot of people stay up late to finish homework, but I couldn’t afford to do that.”
For those looking to improve in track, White emphasizes mastering the basics and staying consistent. He explained that while many people feel that ice baths and massage guns are the tickets to staying consistent and prepared, he feels it’s not the outside factors and gadgets but the actions athletes take for themselves.
“[…] The most important things are eating well, sleeping enough, and trusting the process,” he said. “There are times when you feel like you’re not improving, but if you keep showing up every day, eventually it clicks.”
Outside of track, White is also a member of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program here at Parkdale. Although he has found much success in the athletic department, it coincides with White’s passion for knowledge. He enjoys reading, meditating, hiking, and visiting museums.
“I just love learning in general,” he said. Despite his passion for running, he makes sure to take time to explore other interests.
From running 13-minute races as a freshman to becoming a state champion in just a short three years, White’s journey proves that dedication and consistency pay off. His victory is not only a personal achievement but an inspiration to Parkdale athletes striving to make their own mark.
White has received a scholarship and has committed to UMBC, where he will continue his academic and athletic career in the fall. He emphasizes that he is not done pushing himself and intends on pushing his record even further.
