Nelson third in Simplot 800

The event, which Cody athletes have attended in past years, has become one of the nation’s premier high school indoor track and field events since it was first held in 1979, with 2,200 athletes from 19 different states, Canada and Australia.

“I decided to go to the meet because I’ve heard it’s a really amazing experience to get to compete against top athletes from many states and several countries across the world,” she said.  

The Cody junior competed in the 800 and going into the prelims was ranked 13th. However, she ended up taking third in 2:19.59.

“My goal for prelims was to make it to the fast heat of the finals (top 9 girls),” she said. “After making it, my next goal was to give every ounce of effort and hopefully earn a spot on the podium.”

The finals played out similarly to the prelims, with Nelson again finishing third and improving her time to 2:15.48. She said during the race she didn’t focus as much on her split times as just sticking with the girl in front of her. 

“I was more focused on trying to get a top finish than I was on time,” she said. “I think the race went really well, I was excited to get a new PR. It was really fun to see how all the workouts coach (Maggie) Kirkham creates for our team paid off. Every day in practice my teammates push me really hard, and that transferred over to being able to dig extra deep during the 800 meter finals.”

The Simplot Games are unique because it is an open meet, which means athletes do not need a certain qualifying time or distance to be able to compete. 

“From that race, I learned more about what racing strategy works best for me, and I really saw how the daily grind is worth it in the end,” she said.