Chmiel takes down sophomore class record with 9:26.28

By Brian Towey for DyeStat

Kelsey Chmiel's winter had been regrettable. The Saratoga Springs NY sophomore suffered through January with a sinus infection and despite running in major races during the month was never quite right.

Chmiel was back Saturday at the NYPHSAA Track and Field Championships at Ocean Breeze Track on Staten Island. And the results were spectactular.

Chmiel broke the national sophomore record in the 3,000 meters, running 9:26.28 for the win to break the record of 9:29 set by Debbie Quatier at a meet in the Soviet Union in 1974.

Chmiel blew through splits of 2:28 at 800 meters and 5:01 at 1,600 meters, immediately gapping a formidable field, and never looked back.

"I went out fast and I tried to keep going," Chmiel said.

Looking calm and composed, she showed little outward strain in taking down the record.

Her coaches, Art and Linda Kranick, were thrilled.

"She had run 9:45 earlier this winter," said Linda Kranick, who had a feeling a breakthrough was coming, particicularly on the fast, banked track at Ocean Breeze. "The tracks we have in our area are flat. The largest (ones) are nine laps to the mile."

Chmiel pinpointed a Feb. 11 mile at the 110th NYRR Millrose Games Mile as a race when she started to regain her strength.

"During the beginning of the championship season I definitely noticed a difference and I felt back to normal," Chmiel said.

With consistent workouts going in her favor, and the Staten Island coastline as a backdrop, she set the new sophomore record and became the ninth-fastest prep of all-time. 

"I felt good," Chmiel said. "If I can lower my time, I'll try, but I don't know if I can do it."