HELEN HESSELGREN TAKES A MOMENT TO SOAK IN HER SECOND ARKANSAS No.1 IN THE 800m AT THE TDF
There is just something about running under the lights.
Fayetteville's Helen Hesselgren cannot get enough of it. This weekend, the Oral Roberts University signee allowed the stadium lights at Southlake Carroll High School to work their magic as Hesselgren ran a 2:13 at the Texas Distance Festival. It's the fastest 800m time in Arkansas this year and it's the second Arkansas No. 1 for Hesselgren, who also owns the Natural State's fastest 400m (57. 79).
RACE VIDEO: Watch Helen Hesselgren's 2:13 800m
"The plan was to come through the first 400m in 64 or 65," Hesselgren said. "My first lap was 62."
She didn't panic and felt like she could even win the heat.
Hesselgren made the bold move to pass a competitor on the inside with 200m remaining. Before and after, Hesselgren rubbed elbows with the competition and had to put her arm out to stay up right. Hesselgren, who cut her track and field teeth when she was an eight-year-old on the age group circuit, handled the contact like the seasoned veteran she is.
Hesselgren, arguably the most versatile runner in Arkansas, is looking forward to the next chapter ORU, but before she heads off to college she has some unfinished business with her Fayetteville High School teammates.
Big races and fast times should be in store for Hesselgren over the next six weeks of her high school career. After the Arkansas 6A State Championships on May 7th, Hesselgren is hoping for invitation to national meets. Who knows? She may get another shot at night running under stadium lights.
INTERVIEW: FAYETTEVILLE'S HELEN HESSELGREN
HELEN HESSELGREN TAKES A MOMENT TO SOAK IN HER SECOND ARKANSAS No.1 IN THE 800m AT THE TDF
There is just something about running under the lights.
Fayetteville's Helen Hesselgren cannot get enough of it. This weekend, the Oral Roberts University signee allowed the stadium lights at Southlake Carroll High School to work their magic as Hesselgren ran a 2:13 at the Texas Distance Festival. It's the fastest 800m time in Arkansas this year and it's the second Arkansas No. 1 for Hesselgren, who also owns the Natural State's fastest 400m (57. 79).
