Kennedy junior Sidney Swartzendruber broke the school record for the 400 meter dash on Tuesday, April 11. Swartzendruber broke the old school record of 57.64 by over one second setting a new record of 56.3 seconds.

Swartzendruber has had a strong season so far, leading Iowa in both the 400 meter and the 800 meter dash.

“Breaking the 400 meter record was a small reward for all the hard work I have put in to get there,” Swartzendruber said.

Achieving this goal hasn’t caused her to slow down. In order to keep improving, Swartzendruber works on and off the track.

“Strength, nutrition, and mentality,” Swartzendruber said. “Remaining cognizant of all of these aspects has been vital to improving my times.”

Since the start of the track season, she has been receiving recognition in and outside of school. Last week, Swartzendruber was nominated for KCRG Athlete of the Week.

“It feels great being recognized in these ways, but the real reward comes from the amounts in which I have already improved my times from last year,” Swartzendruber said. “It’s proof that my efforts are working, and provides motivation for me to continue pushing myself every day.”