Senior runs fastest indoor 3200 meters in U.S. high school history
As Simplot Games neared the end of a full day of events, the word around Idaho State’s ICCU Dome was that Provo’s Jane Hedengren was looking to run “comfortably under” 10 minutes in the 3200-meter finals. That time would break the already impressive meet record she set last year.
The idea of her breaking the 3200-meter national record of 9:38.68, set by the iconic Mary Cain back in 2013, was on no one’s mind—including Hedengren’s.
“It was my first time doing the two-mile competitively this season, and my goal was to be under 9:50,” she said, while also acknowledging her awareness of the national record.
As the starter’s pistol fired, Hedengren surged to an immediate lead that only lengthened over the event’s 16 laps. Running with a calm poise, she ran the first half in roughly 4:46, a time fast enough to win the event’s open 1600. The Simplot Games crowd responded a roar that increased to match her quickening pace.
“This is the loudest meet I’ve ever been at,” she says. “I just love the environment. People come out and support the athletes so well. I wanted to put up a good time for them.”
The bell signifying her last lap was drowned out by the deafening crowd, and Hedengren, sensing history, broke into a sprint over the final 200 meters. The meet record was a foregone conclusion, but her record-breaking time of 9:37.50 was a stunner.
“At the end of the day, I was feeling good, so I went for it,” she said.
Hedengren is no stranger to the Simplot Games, having finished second at Simplot Games as a sophomore (a memory that caused a pain expression of wishing she had run just a bit better).
Last year, as a junior, she set a new Games record with a time of 10:02.42—a mark that was destined to only last one year. In setting that mark, Hedengren acknowledged the crowd’s support, and the crowd responded in kind again this year.
Along with her natural ability and training, Hedengren credits another ingredient for her success on the track: “My faith gives me a lot of hope and perspective, “ she says. “I want to be a light to others. I love this sport so much—that’s why I do it—but there is so much more to life. I appreciate the support I receive from others in all aspects. When I’m competing, I step into myself and I feel free. Running is a celebration to me.”
After high school, Hedengren is committed to run for Brigham Young and looking forward to where the journey takes her. “I’m going to take it year by year, and take it in a positive way on the track and as a good teammate.”
Wherever her journey leads, she will always have a place in Simplot Games history with her legendary performances.
More than 2,000 athletes from across the U.S., Canada, and Australia are participating in the 45th Simplot Games. Simplot Games remains the nation’s premier high school indoor track and field event. Sponsored by the J.R. Simplot Company since 1979, the Simplot Games are held at Idaho State University’s ICCU Dome in Pocatello, Idaho.
For more information on Simplot Games, please visit our website at www.simplotgames.com. You may also contact the Simplot Games Media Team at media@simplotgames.com.
