Name: Gaelon Kolczynski
School: Yarmouth High School
What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable moment was racing against Orono's 4x400 team at the 2015 Outdoor States Championship. We knew it was going to be a really close race, and it came down to the last couple of meters. I had wanted to win so badly but they had a better race. There was so much emotion behind it, I found myself crying at the finish line. But, Orono is the only reason we beat our record that day, and I can't thank them enough.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Myself. For me, track is less about beating other athletes and more about improving my skill.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment was becoming the 2015 Western Maine Champions in the Boys 4x400. We broke our school record by six seconds, as well as breaking the facility record at Lake Region.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I wouldn't change anything. Track has taught me so much about self-confidence and where hard work can get you. It has also allowed me to meet so many amazing people that I would not have had the chance to meet otherwise.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I think my hardest obstacle was transitioning from Cross Country to Indoor Track my Senior year. The transition from long distance to sprinting led to a less impressive Indoor season.
What will you miss the most?
I'm definitely going to miss the team. I've met so many amazing people who mean so much to me.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Believe in yourself. I know it sounds cliche, but it's hard to compete with confidence when you don't think you're good enough. The fact is you are good enough, and you will get better. Your only competition is yourself.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
I've had the opportunity to compete on two different teams. Before Yarmouth, I competed for Lake Region. Coach Snow taught me about how important it is to better myself and he really believed in my ability to compete. He gave me the support that I needed to continually improve from meet to meet.
At Yarmouth, Coach Griffin taught me to not give up and to pursue what I want. Coach Orcutt taught me about the enthusiasm that I needed in my racing. I look forward to working with Coach Alizio when I join the track teams a Lesley University in the fall!
What are your college plans?
I will be attending Lesley University to study Illustration, and I will compete on their Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track teams.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to thank Coach Snow, Coach Caron, and Coach Kantro of Lake Region, and Coach Griffin, Coach Orcutt, Coach Rogers, and Chuck of Yarmouth for their support. Thank you to Kate Hall for pushing me to work harder, and teaching me about true sportsmanship. A huge thank you to Sam Gerken, Tahj Garvey, and John Decker for being apart of the most memorable 4x400 team. Emma Egan for teaching me that you can still be a good athlete and still have a good time. Darren Shi for teaching me that weight training is just as important as running. Finally, I would also like to thank my mother, Lisa, who has supported me in everything that I've done. I would not be where I am without all of you!
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
It's been an amazing experience, and I'm definitely going to miss it!
More Coverage
Do you know a class of 2015 track and field or cross country athlete? We'd like to salute them! Have them answer the following questions plus send 2-3 photos (can not be from another website or publication) to dveilleux@milesplit.us