Hayes (second from the left) with her family (photo provided by Julia Hayes)
First of all, how did you first start doing track?
I started track when I was in fourth grade at Pinewood Elementary School.
What are all your personal records (including relay splits, field events, etc)?
My personal records for now are 14.60 sec in the 100m hurdles, 43.43 sec in the 300m hurdles, and 18'4 in long jump.
What drew you to running the hurdles?
When I was just starting track not many people wanted to try doing hurdles, my coach got me to try them and I fell in love with the race.
Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?
I play soccer in the fall for my high school.
What is your favorite or most memorable race you have ever run?
It's hard to choose just one race that is my favorite. My first year at state when I was in 8th grade is one of my favorites because I got to compete against so many amazing athletes. Another was a when I had the opportunity to compete at the AAU Junior Olympic national meet. I got to compete with kids from across the country and see some of the best athletes my age.
The last few years have been historic in girls hurdles in Minnesota (for example, all 8 of the fastest 100m hurdlers in state history graduated within the past five years, and five different girls have broken and held the state record in that time). What has it been like to be racing the most competitive hurdlers in Minnesota history?
It has been an amazing experience. It's nice to have people to look up to and it pushes me every day to get better.
How has your perspective of the Minnesota's best competition changed since you first ran at State in 8th grade? Do you think you have gotten more intense/focused over the years, or more relaxed and able to let yourself enjoy it more?
When I was in 8th grade I wanted to enjoy the experience a lot more. I wanted to enjoy the experience since I made it farther than I thought I was capable of. Over the last couple years, I've started to focus on track more and pushing myself to become better.
Who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?
I enjoy competing against Meleah Biermaier, Kalley Harris and Natalie Windels. Natalie and I have been competing with each other since 6th grade and we have become great friends because of it.
What are your main goals for this upcoming season?
I have many goals for this upcoming season. I want to drop my times down and get a lot stronger.
Hayes along with the other members of Irondale's State Champion 4x400 team, Michelle Meyer, Elizabeth Axberg, and Emily Brandt (photo provided by Julia Hayes)
Last year you anchored Irondale's 4x400 team which won State. With three of the four of you returning this year, do you think you will be able to repeat?
We had a very special day at the State Championship, we dropped our time down a ton. We are hoping to do that again this year but it will hard since one of our teammates graduated. Liz, Michelle and I are ready for the challenge.
Do you have any college plans yet (where you plan to go, what you plan to do, etc...)?
None of plans are set in stone yet. I have been looking at some colleges and thinking about what I want to study.
I see you have competed in some heptathlons at summer meets. How did you get started doing those? Is that for fun or do you hope to do primarily do multi-event competitions in the future?
I started doing the Pentathlon when I was in 6th grade and switched to the Heptathlon a couple years ago. At first I just was doing it to get extra practice in my events but I ended up really enjoying it. I haven't decided what exactly I want focus on in future competition but I'd be happy doing either Hurdles or the Heptathlon.
Do you have any rituals
or superstitions either on or off the track?
I don't have any rituals or superstitions.
When not on the track, what might we find you doing?
When I'm not training I spend a lot of time with my family.
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
I'm a huge superhero fan. I have tons of comic books and I've seen almost all the Marvel movies.
Who are your three favorite superheroes?
My favorite superheroes I'd have to say are Captain America, Thor and obviously the Flash!
