Runners take your mark. Set. Go! Hello, my name is Kaylie Politza of Lemont High School in Illinois, class of 2022. I compete in both track and field and cross country. My favorite events in track are the 400, 800, and 1600 meter races. Cross Country is a favorite of mine as well. Running is my life, and I train hard because I am looking to lower my times as much as possible. Thus far, my personal bests include; 59.10 in the 400-meter dash, 2:13.48 in the 800-meter run, 5:10 in the 1600-meter run, and 17:15 in the 3-mile for XC. For my current sophomore 2019-2020 track season, my goals are to run 57.5 in the 400-meter dash, sub 2:10 in the 800-meter run, 4:50 in the 1600-meter run, and to compete for the state championship title in all three events. My long term goal is to qualify for the 2024 or 2028 Olympics. 

Before my running career began, I learned loads of valuable lessons from Tae Kwon Do, a childhood interest of mine. It taught me the value of strengthening mental toughness through the team and how to push through the pain and grind because if it helped me towards my goal it was worth it. I would be an excellent addition to the team because of my ability to help build self-confidence in others and my work ethic. I know the value of team-bonding and having fun. I love to give my team-mates motivational pep-talks before their races and going out to dinner after meets. But, I also know when to put on my game face and work hard towards my goals, even if it requires early morning workouts and late homework nights. 

I am different from other athletes because running is what I want to do for life. I do not want to achieve my goals, I MUST achieve them.  I do not care how many people tell me, no, or what I need to do is impossible, I am willing to outwork everyone to prove the naysayers wrong and be the absolute best athlete and student that I can be. For more information, please email me at kayliepolitza2022@gmail.com.