By: Allison Skinner (10)

Speed, precision, and rhythm define the 100-meter hurdles. For Helias Catholic’s Isla Alfultis, all three came together at the perfect moment. With a time of 14.50, Alfultis broke her own school record and set a new personal record at the Girls Night Out Track Meet at Parkview High School in Springfield, MO. 

Alfultis credits her success to the balance she has developed between speed and technique-something that doesn’t happen overnight.

When asked how she balances speed and technique when approaching each hurdle, Alfultis said, “It takes lots of practice and getting the rhythm down.”

The rhythm is crucial in an event where every step matters, and even the smallest mistake can cost valuable time. 

Behind her performance is also the guidance of her coaches, who play a key role in helping her improve. 

“They play a big role. I can’t see myself when I go over the hurdles during the races, so getting their feedback really helps,” Alfultis explained. 

Their outside perspective allows her to make adjustments that continue to sharpen her technique and lower her times. Her competitive mindset is another driving force. 

“I don’t like to lose,” she said.

That determination shows not only in races, but in the effort she brings to every practice. Alfultis also embraces high-pressure situations, using them as motivation rather than letting them become overwhelming. 

“I like pressure–I use it to motivate me,” she added. 

Track and field is also something that runs in the family. Alfultis looks up to her mom, who was also a hurdler, as well as her cousin Kenadi Harrison, who was a sprinter. Their influence has helped shape both her work ethic and passion for the sport. 

During her record breaking race, she was going against another strong competitor, and she used the other athlete’s PR as a benchmark. 

“I knew I was running against another good person and I beat her, and I based my winning time off of her PR,” she said. 

Her performance wasn’t just about speed, it was about the technical improvements she’s made throughout the season. 

“Staying low over the hurdle and making sure I am running fast between each hurdle,” Alfultis said when describing what helped her drop her time. 

Even after setting the school record, Alfultis isn’t finished. 

“I want to keep breaking the record,” she said when asked about her goals moving forward. 

With her combination of discipline, competitive drive, and confidence under pressure, Alfultis is not only rewriting the record books-she’s setting the standard even higher for what’s to come.