In the Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) intermediate track championships on Apr. 14, eighth grader Phoebe Kirk qualified for the 400-meter dash and the long jump and then took first in the long jump with a jump of 15 ft. and first in the dash with a time of 1:02.45. For the run, the second place finisher came in at a time of 1:05.05.

“I felt very accomplished getting first place in the 400-meter dash. I have been training for the 400 for so long and I put so much hard work into it. I was definitely most proud of getting my personal best time on my last race of the season,” said Kirk.

“Phoebe set a personal record for the long jump and also made the finals for the 200m dash and came in 8th place,” said coach Mari Kuroyama.

Kirk has been on the Academy’s track team since the seventh grade but also runs track for clubs outside the Academy.

“I have been running track for about five years now and first started running for Renegades Track Club when I was nine,” said Kirk.

“Before I start a race I am very nervous, but through the season I began to learn how to control myself and focus,” said Kirk. “During a race I have to think about the way that I am going to run because there are many different phases to a 400. After the race, I get tired and usually take a nap.”

Kirk has been outstanding throughout the entire season for the long jump and 400-meter dash.

“Taking first in the long jump really gave me the confidence to do my absolute best in the 400. I was so happy for my accomplishment and I think that is what gave me the adrenaline rush to come through on the 400,” she said.

“I was very happy when she won the 400. Her hard work paid off and she looked very strong,” said Kuroyama.