What one summer can do to you

SEATTLE- Over his successful years as a high school cross country runner, Simon Olech has developed into a key figure on the 2022 O'Dea cross country team.

It all started in the summer of 2020 at the end of his eighth-grade year when he decided to start running.

"I began cross country because I love running," Olech said. "Before the end of my 8th grade year I wasn't the best at running."

Olech knew that to be successful he must dedicate himself to the sport.

"Once summer hit my eighth-grade year, I started running every day."

Olech joined the cross-country team in his freshman year and made the junior varsity team. The following year as well he was on the jv team. Even though he was on the same team his first two years, he knew he had developed into a great runner.

After making strong improvements in his sophomore season, he finally got a well-deserved varsity spot this year.

Olech knew that he needed to raise the bar high so he could show his true potential to the varsity team.

His number one goal coming into the season was to beat 18.62 minutes.

In the second meet of the year Olech was looking to beat his original time. He was up against 4 tough Metro League teams. With strength and determination, he finally achieved his personal record of 17.56.7.

"As a freshman I would have never imagined that I would break eighteen ... but finally it happened."

Outside of cross country with the Fighting Irish, he also does half marathons as well. This is an example of how passionate of a runner Olech has grown to be.

Running outside the school season not only makes him a better runner but also mentally gets him ready for any race he runs.

With the cross-country season just getting started, Olech and the team will be looking to get their hands on the district title.