Re-Writing the New York State Female Sophomore Class Weight Throw Record-We'll Leave it in Pencil For Now

Breaking a sports record of any kind, for most, might be the culmination of a wonderful and memorable experience.  Chasing the record.  The pursuit of excellence.  And then, something happens.  The record is broken.  The chase, the thrill, and the exhilaration are met with a multitude of emotions-exuberance, excitement, and a sense of fulfillment.  But then what?  If the sole focus of the competition is to break the record, we may feel overcome with joy for a moment, but then what?

A fine balance exists between chasing records and chasing accomplishments.  One can accomplish something without breaking a record, but yet the accomplishment and/or goal was accomplished.  You can break a record, but not meet your goal.  Emotionally, how does one prepare for such a situation?

With the Olympics in full swing, journalists and reporters have been interviewing new and repeat  Olympic gold medalist in a multitude of events.  A common theme that has emerged, from my perspective, is the satisfaction of winning a gold medal.  One reporter interviewed someone about missing out on a chance to break the record, in which the athlete responded with, "The gold medal will be mine forever.  Someone will always be able to break the record later."  Much can be said with track and field athletes.  Most would prefer to win an Olympic gold medal because nobody will ever be able to take that away from them.  Breaking a record, well, someone can always do that later.

Webster Thomas Sophomore Monique Hardy with a new Section V and New York State Sophomore class record with a throw 55'3".  Video credit to Webster Thomas High School.

As you can see from the video posted above, Webster Thomas High School Sophomore Monique Hardy has once again bettered the Section V and New York State Sophomore Class record in the 20# Weight Throw.  I think for most athletes, breaking both records would suffice as having a successful season.  Monique, however, is not like most athletes.  

The drive, determination, and focus this young lady has is pushing her to heights not reached in New York for over a decade.  She is quietly erasing records set many years ago, while keeping her sights set on much more profound opportunities-qualifying for the New York State Indoor Track and Field Championships and traveling to the famous Armory in New York City, to compete in the New Balance High School Track and Field National Championships in March.

The record is nice, however it is merely a by product of chasing a much greater and stoic outcome.  For now, we'll leave the record written in pencil, just in case Monique has plans for bettering it while continuing with this monumental season.