By: Nathan Bloechl — nathanb@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, Iowa — For the second time in as many years, Humboldt sophomore Bryce Gidel left state track and field as a medalist.
Gidel placed 8th overall in the 3A Girls’ 1500m run Saturday afternoon to secure her medal. The stunning sophomore ran 4:54.68 to capture the 8th spot.
“Coming in I tried not to have too high of expectations” said Gidel of her race on Saturday. “Things didn’t go my way in the 3000 on Thursday, I just didn’t want to leave the track disappointed.”
Hoping for a personal best on Saturday, Gidel came up just short running the aforementioned 4:54.68, but she said she was happy with the time overall and will now focus on improvements heading into her junior season.
“When you taste success too much, the work isn’t as sweet. We’ll get back to work and continue to aim higher” Gidel explained. “I’ll tell you what: failures are so much more influential to my training.”
Speaking with Gidel Saturday afternoon, you’d be hard pressed to realize she was a two-time state medalist in a very talented 3A field, but that’s exactly what she is.
“I try not to think about [being a two-time medalist], I’m kind of disapointed I didn’t perform better but I am excited to get back to training.”
She’s a heck of competitor, isn’t she?
Her training will take about a week off mixed in with some light or easy running before ramping things back up following that.
Gidel explained she has entered some road races and will continue seeking some AAU races this summer to continue facing top-notch competition.
“I just need to remember these hard days and use that as motivation to have a better kick at the end of races next year” exhaled Gidel.
I tried very hard to get Gidel to soak in the fact that she has already accomplished so much in her two-year career, she wouldn’t.
Perhaps that is what makes her so great. She’s not content with just being there, she wants it all — and will work hard to make sure she gets there.
“Running next to the state’s best makes you want to put in those long hours very badly, it’s what you have to get to the top.”