For Waukomis High School sophomore sprinter and hurdler Zoe Warden, success on the track is less about instant results and more about embracing the grind that happens when no one is watching.
Warden, who competes in the 100-meter hurdles, 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash, is already making an early impact in her high school career. One of her proudest moments came at the Indoor Track & Field Championship, where she raced her way onto the podium with a third-place finish. That performance helped affirm what she already believed: consistency and effort over time add up.
“Track has taught me that success doesn’t happen overnight and it takes consistent effort even on days I don’t feel motivated,” Warden said. “But most importantly it’s shown me how to handle both winning and losing with maturity.”
Those lessons are part of why representing Waukomis means so much to her. Every race is a chance to compete for her community as well as herself. “My favorite part about representing my school is knowing that every time I step on the track, I’m competing for something bigger than myself,” she said.
Warden credits her parents for pushing her to give her best in everything she does and points to sprint legend Usain Bolt as a professional role model. “I look up to Usain Bolt because of the way he changed the sport of track and field,” she said. “He didn’t just win races he dominated them.”
New to the Waukomis program this season, Warden said she hopes her approach can set a standard. “I’m new to the team this year but I hope to show them that with hard work and dedication you can achieve your goals,” she said. She also is quick to recognize those who have shaped her journey, thanking Coach Savage from Garber and Jay Miller “for making me the athlete I am today.”
Away from the track, one of the people who left a lasting impression on her is second-grade teacher Mrs. Conrady, whom she remembers for always being kind and fun. It is that combination of support, drive and perspective that continues to guide Warden as she sprints into the heart of her high school track career.
