Racing Into History: Insa A.'s Record-Breaking Comeback

Contributor, Jesminder Vega, Chair of Communications

This week celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our community, and this week is no exception! Meet Insa A., whose grit and determination have rewritten the record books. Insa has not just broken one but two school track records, leaving her mark in the 600M and 1500M events. From overcoming setbacks to finding joy in her comeback, Insa’s journey is a powerful reminder that resilience and hard work pay off. Let’s dive into her story and hear from Insa about what this milestone means to her, how she balances academics and athletics, and what’s next on her horizon.

Avenues Athletics celebrates an incredible achievement by Insa A., who broke not one but two school track records! Insa’a outstanding performance in the 600M event set a new record, and she followed it up with another record-breaking run in the 1500M event. 

When asked about her accomplishment, Insa shared, “My goal wasn't to break the record, but when I found out, it felt really great since I had been injured for a lot of last year, so coming back and doing pretty well felt really rewarding!”

Her dedication and hard work have continued to push her further, allowing her to set these records. While balancing intense training and academic responsibilities, she has shown incredible discipline and time management, proving that dedication pays off on and off the track. These achievements are a testament to Insa’s commitment to training and ability to perform well under pressure.

Looking ahead Insa plans to “keep training and hopefully lower these records and place well at NYSAIS!” Congratulations Insa! The Avenues community is so proud, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!

Breaking Records and Inspiring Futures: The Stories of Insa A. and Alex T.

This week, Avenues celebrates not one but two extraordinary athletes who have etched their names in school history. Insa A. broke two school records in the 600M and 1500M events, showcasing incredible resilience after overcoming injuries last year. Her hard work, discipline, and ability to balance intense training with academic responsibilities have inspired us all. Meanwhile, senior Alex T. shattered the school record in the 600M event, a testament to his unwavering commitment to self-improvement. From grueling workouts to focusing on recovery and learning from setbacks, Alex’s journey highlights the power of perseverance and preparation. Both athletes exemplify what it means to push boundaries and achieve greatness. Let’s hear from Insa and Alex as they share their reflections on these remarkable milestones and what lies ahead. Dive into their interviews to hear firsthand about their journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and their inspiring plans for what’s next!

Chasing Greatness: Alex T.'s Journey to a Record-Breaking Finish

Contributor, Khairat Tchakala, Social Media Coordinator

Today, we shine a spotlight on Alex T., a senior whose relentless commitment to self-improvement has propelled him into Avenues history. Alex broke the school record in the 600M event, shattering expectations and inspiring us all. From grueling workouts and the guidance of a dedicated coach to his focus on recovery and mental resilience, Alex’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance and preparation. Join us as we hear Alex’s reflections on this monumental achievement, the lessons he’s learned, and the people who have been instrumental in his success.

Alex T., who shattered the school record in the 600M event! For Alex, this achievement is about much more than the numbers on a clock—it’s the culmination of his unwavering commitment to self-improvement.

“Inspired by my desire to improve, I worked to break through a plateau that held me back,” Alex shared. His breakthrough came thanks to consistent effort both on and off the track, with a focus on recovery, nutrition, and rest alongside rigorous training. “Recovery is even more important than the workout itself. Being stronger for the next workout makes me a stronger athlete.”

Alex credits much of his success to Coach Whatley, who has been a guiding force in his journey. “Coach Whatley is one of my biggest inspirations. He motivates me, sees potential in me, and is even competitive with me—hoping I become faster than he was.” After his record-breaking performance, Alex celebrated with Coach, marking the moment he officially outpaced his mentor.

The road to this milestone wasn’t easy. From grueling practices at Ocean Breeze in Staten Island—“running 3 300s and 4 150s had me sore, cramping, and exhausted”—to overcoming the mental challenges of less-than-ideal performances, Alex’s journey has been one of resilience and focus. After falling short in a previous meet, Alex doubled down on refining his training and addressing mistakes, ensuring he wouldn’t repeat them.

Breaking the record by over 2.5 seconds, Alex reflected, “It felt like I was doing things right, and it made me feel that my hard work was paying off.” His accomplishment is a testament to the power of perseverance, preparation, and learning from experience.

Congratulations, Alex—your drive and dedication inspire us all, and we can’t wait to see how far you’ll go in the future!

Interview by Jesminder Vega, AAC Chair of Communications

Gavin Shines at Federation Meet

In this issue, we’re thrilled to spotlight one of our exceptional athletes, Gavin W, who recently competed at the prestigious Federations meet. Reflecting on the experience, Gavin shared, "It was very fun and an honor to take part in. It was a really special way to end my high school cross-country career." Competing alongside some of the top athletes in the state, Gavin embraced both the challenge and the moment.

Preparation for such a high-stakes meet requires intense focus and effort. "It was hard," Gavin admitted, but he credits his success to a well-structured training plan. "I worked very closely with Coach Krupa, our head cross-country coach, to prepare for a meet like this." His regimen included early morning runs, cross-training, and building the mental toughness needed to perform at his best.

For Gavin, success has been a team effort. He highlighted the incredible growth of his team over the years, saying, "When I joined as a freshman, we were just six runners, and there weren’t any girls on the team. Now, we’re 30 strong, running two full teams and competing in major meets like NYSAIS." He also expressed gratitude for his teammates and coaches, emphasizing the camaraderie and encouragement that defined his experience.

One moment stood out to Gavin during his race: hearing his teammate Santiago cheer him on from the backwoods of the course. "It’s inspiring to see others excited about a sport I love so much," he said.

Gavin also stressed the importance of balance, including recovery and nutrition, as key to his success. "You have to listen to your body and make time for rest," he noted, underscoring the value of a holistic approach to training.

His advice to younger athletes? "Stay consistent and never underestimate the power of a strong support system."

Congratulations to Gavin for his outstanding achievement and for proudly representing our community at Federations!