Breaking a record in sports is one of the highest achievements an athlete can accomplish. At the Albion Spring Thaw on April 9, Anna Albaugh, a junior from Frankfort, Ind., did just that.
Breaking the previous hammer throw record of 45.68 meters, Albaugh threw 46.37 meters. Going into the competition, Albaugh had her sights on breaking the record.
“I told our [Sports Information Director] SID Marissa Smego, ‘Today is the day I’m breaking the record. I just have to,’” said Albaugh.
Albaugh hadn’t competed in outdoor track since her first year at Albion since the pandemic cut their season short in 2020. Due to the pandemic, many athletes did not have access to a gym or a team to train with. Even with all the obstacles in her way, Albaugh had her sights set high.
“During quarantine, I decided to work a lot on my mental health since a global pandemic can be really detrimental to that. I biked a lot and played in the yard with my dogs. We also have a weight rack at my house, so I did squat, bench and resistance band training,’ said Albaugh.
Even though track and field is not always seen as a team sport, Albaugh says the team aspect is one of the most essential parts to an individual’s success.
“My favorite part about being on the track team is the family aspect. Our coaching staff is amazing. They will help you with absolutely anything. I am so grateful for them. I love my team and how all the different backgrounds and personalities can come together as one unit and have a good time. To me, the best thing about track and field is that it’s an individualized sport, but it is also a team sport. Your hard work directly reflects your success, and in turn will contribute to the team’s success,” said Albaugh.
Albaugh said having the team celebrate with her was one of the best parts of breaking the record. She says the throwing group is always pushing each other to get better and that they deserve credit as well.
Moving forward Albaugh wants to improve even more.
“My goals moving forward are to try and place top three at conference. I also would love to try to improve in the national standings,” said Albaugh.
The Albion track and field team’s next meet will be May 6 and 7 at Alma for the MIAA Conference Championships.
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