How do you know she swims more than she runs? We need to stop this notion that girls are running sub 5, and now sub 4:50, miles off of no training. It’s just plain wrong.
How do you know she swims more than she runs? We need to stop this notion that girls are running sub 5, and now sub 4:50, miles off of no training. It’s just plain wrong.
Let's not exaggerate. "Swims more than she runs" is NOT the same thing as "no training".
well it seems there’s been quite a bit of responses that swimming is what allowed this young athlete to run sub 4:50 when in reality it has to be intense training. Another poster noted that she trains with high schoolers and has run in high school and even college meet so did she prepare for those meets by swimming
well it seems there’s been quite a bit of responses that swimming is what allowed this young athlete to run sub 4:50 when in reality it has to be intense training. Another poster noted that she trains with high schoolers and has run in high school and even college meet so did she prepare for those meets by swimming
Well, Elizabeth Leachman swims a lot, does water jogging, and also uses an elliptical several times per week, and she set the indoor and outdoor 5k national records as only a sophomore. Parker Valby and Natalie Cook have similar training routines. You can be a really good runner while getting a good portion of your exercise done by doing things that aren't running.
Especially because Skelly could be a freshman. She will be 15 in the summer
Four of the top 8 middle school girls milers turn 15 this year.
Say what you will about AAU and USATF, but age grouping creates a more level and fair competition. There were 11 year olds in this "middle school" race. These 15's would all be freshmen in many areas.
Yes summer birthdays are tricky. You are either on the older side of a grade or you are super young for the grade. There are more to those decisions for parents when their kid is 4/5yo going into prek than running. She is 14. Either way, she is talent.
its entirely irrelevant when she is running faster than most high schoolers run at 14 years old. are we saying running a 5 minute mile in 6th grade doesnt matter because most 7th graders can do that? and anyway, are you guys blind? have you not seen her? shes tiny. definitely small for her age and generally smaller than the other middle schoolers on the start line next to her before she leaves them in the dust once the race has started. but she has an advantage because of age?
I am sure she didnt ask to start school late or be held back a year. My son is a current freshman and will turn 15 in July - so it sounds like they are the same age. That is just how it is...so good for her and enjoy the moment! With that said, I know a lot of parents who "redshirt" their kids for this reason which I think is a bit weird but is pretty common lately. Being older definitely gives a kid a big advantage - especially if they have gone through puberty (whether they are tiny or not). Is it strange that she doesn't have any AAU or USATF age group races posted considering her talent?
I am sure she didnt ask to start school late or be held back a year. My son is a current freshman and will turn 15 in July - so it sounds like they are the same age. That is just how it is...so good for her and enjoy the moment! With that said, I know a lot of parents who "redshirt" their kids for this reason which I think is a bit weird but is pretty common lately. Being older definitely gives a kid a big advantage - especially if they have gone through puberty (whether they are tiny or not). Is it strange that she doesn't have any AAU or USATF age group races posted considering her talent?
She didn't run AAU or USATF meets because she was mostly swimming with a little bit of running between swim seasons until about two years ago.
I have a hard time getting excited about middle school girls. Sure, a few excel and do well by the end of high school and beyond, but many more get injured and fizzle out. Hopefully we are still talking about her in 4 years.
How do you know she swims more than she runs? We need to stop this notion that girls are running sub 5, and now sub 4:50, miles off of no training. It’s just plain wrong.
She is certainly doing a lot of running however she has always done swimming in the winter.
Most of us get excited for a girl running 10:14 before college. As you said, many won't get better. That is all the more reason to celebrate their accomplishments.
I’ve watched Makenzie run in person several times. Who cares how old she is - she will be a force to reckon with in years to come. When the gun goes off she is locked in and focused with each step. Very sweet too. That won’t change with age-the future is bright! Keep pushing!