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T.A. Keating | Online Entertainment Editor
Haley and Hannah Meier, both ’13, were victorious in the New Balance Indoor High School Championships.
Hannah Meier claimed the 1 mile championship by a mere fraction of a second, said cross-country and track coach Steven Zaranek. This makes her the fastest high school runner in the nation, and the 4th fastest in US history.
Both Meiers were also in the first place relay team, along with Ersula Farrow ’15 and Kelsie Schwartz ’14.
The Meiers started their running careers in fifth grade, they said. They ran track for the St. Paul’s track team in their middle school years, claiming first place in most meets.
Although an early start and natural talent contributed to their success as runners, the Meier sisters are constantly training, they said, estimating that they run four to five miles each day.
“Sometimes we’ll do a little more than that,” said Haley Meier. “On a good week we’ll run like fifty miles.”
The sisters also attend a running event almost every weekend, said Haley Meier.
“We go to fun runs all over the state,” said Haley Meier. “We’re always trying to go against the best competition.”
The result of this training can be seen on the South gym’s scoreboards. Although the two usually finish neck-and-neck, Hannah’s times are always slightly faster, they said, so her scores are the ones shown.
However, the two have both broken numerous records.
As national champion level athletes, the sisters don’t just run in-state, visiting several states including Wisconsin, Indiana and California, they said.
It would also appear that they do pretty well in those races, considering they won the cross-country championships in California two weeks ago. Yes, two different national championships in the course of a month, said Zaranek.
While these competitions would seem very high-pressure, both Meiers try to stay cool and calm, they said.
“It’s really exciting and intimidating at the same time,” said Hannah Meier.
“There’s sponsors who come expecting us to do really well,” said Haley Meier. “There’s some pressure with that.”
Accompanying the two at all events is Zaranek.
“To go with them as their coach to all these meets is really remarkable,” said Zaranek. “It’s a great opportunity for them to compete with all these amazing young women from around the country.”
Below are videos are Hannah Meier’s mile race, as well as the distance medley race.
