By Michael Newman

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Congratulations to Katelynne Hart, a sophomore from Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, as the ILXCTF Illinois Track & Field Girls Athlete of the Year.

Hart had a memorable sophomore year rewriting the Illinois Distance record books in the process setting new Illinois bests in the 1-Mile Run, the 1600 Meter Run, the 2-Mile Run, and the 3200 Meter Run. Her time of 9:52.02 in the 3200 Meter Run at the Sue Pariseau Invitational broke Kayla Beattie’s 9:56.96 time from the 2011 IHSA State Finals. Hart also ran an Illinois best of 9:56.40 for 2-miles in finishing third at the Brooks PR Invitational on June 8.

The week before at Magis Miles in Chicago, Hart set Illinois All-time bests when she ran 4:44.63 to win the 1-Mile Run. Hart was also timed at 4:43.07 going through 1600-meters.

Katelynne completed the Illinois Distance crown this track season for the second time in a row winning the 3A 3200 Meter Run and 3A 1600 Meter Run. She won the 3A State Cross-Country title last November for the second time in a row.

Hart also achieved success during the indoor season when she won the national championship for the 1-Mile Run at the New Balance Indoor Nationals on March 11. Hart came from four seconds back on the final lap to run 4:45.47 for the win.

Other athletes that we considered included:

Amira Young of Whitney Young High School. The senior won her third 3A state title for the 100 Meter Dash in Charleston. Young also won the 3A 200 Meter Dash and helped Whitney Young win the 1600 Meter Relay running their anchor leg.

Enyaeva Michelin of Evanston Township High School. The senior had one of the best track seasons ever for an Illinois Girls distance athlete. Michelin ran the fifth fastest Illinois time ever (2:08.44) in winning the 3A 800 Meter Run. Michelin finished second behind Katelynne Hart in the 3A State 1600 Meter Run. Two weeks later at Magis Miles, Michelin ran the second fastest 1-Mile time ever (4:46.29) for an Illinois Girls prep athlete finishing second behind Hart. Michelin also ran the fourth fastest Illinois time ever for 3200-meters (10:16.58).

State Meet Photo by Laura Duffy - 2018