David Horvath caught up with MileSplit after setting his fourth Class S State Record on Saturday.
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By: Kyle Deeken
Missouri MileSplit Contributor
"You know, you should flex for the crowd after they announce your name this time," said Linn senior David Horvath's coach. Horvath looked to the side and grinned sheepishly.
"If you say so."
What came next was nothing short of incredible.
After the field announcer informed the crowd of Horvath's third and fourth Class S State Records, this time in the 200 Meter Dash and Shot Put, Horvath flashed a beaming smile and sent the crowd roaring as he constricted his massive biceps.
This author can't lie; lumps were formed in throats.
It started off with a win in the Class S 100 Meter Dash. Horvath roared down the straight away to raucous applause and made his first trip into the record books with a 22.45 clocking. Though this was a Class S record, it was not a personal best for him as earlier in the season he hit 22.22.
He was far from done this weekend, though.
As the day continued on its rolling schedule, Horvath continued rolling in his own right as he popped off another state record in the Class S 400. Coming across the line in 1:30.02, the senior once again was slightly off his personal best, as he hit 1:27.48 three weeks prior. But nonetheless, it was the fastest mark anyone had ever produced at the state meet in Class S.
Soon, David would be crossing the line again to raucous applause as he broke his fourth record of the day in the 200. Just before that, he had earned an 18-0 mark in the shot put and produced his third Class S record. His 40.06 in the 200 was a personal best this time and closed out a short, but undoubtedly successful career with four golds and four state records.
When asked about the atmosphere and the experience, Horvath was beside himself with gratitude.
"It is so fantastic to have so many people just cheering me on whether they know me or not," he mused. "It feels so great to have so many people behind [me]."
In his first and only year, Horvath has done something not many in Missouri state history have done by setting state records in four events. He expressed regrets for not joining sooner, and left anyone who is considering competing in the para events with a few words of advice:
"No matter what you think about yourself, just go for it."
You can watch and relive all of David's races, and all of the races from the Class 1 and 2 State Championships, here.