Larson's title beyond his imagination

Finishing his career with a state title was beyond the imagination of West Fork’s Austin Larson.

The senior hurdler ran the race of his career, busting both his personal record and the school record of 14.45 seconds to take the Class 1A 110-meter high hurdles.

“That’s my PR by a lot, I mean, a lot,” Larson said. “I didn’t ever dream about it since my junior year. I’ve improved a lot since my junior year.”

The previous mark was held by Spencer Halloran at 14.62.

“The athlete who had set that, Spencer Halloran, breaking that was always a goal of mine,” Larson said. “He was an all-around amazing athlete. Incredible just to even think I’m running faster than him, is amazing.”

His thought process as he was clearing each hurdle was simply to win it.

“Over every hurdle I was thinking, ‘go as hard as you can, get your lead leg down and back leg through it,” Larson said, “and see if we can win this thing.”

Larson also had a strong inkling that he had won it after he crossed the finish line based on his reaction.

“I had a pretty good feeling that I was first or second which was one of my goals because last year I got seventh, I already had a medal and I wanted a silver or gold one,” Larson said. “Knowing I crossed the finish line in first or second was a dream come true, amazing.”

According to Larson, his whole family came to watch. The group had a spot close to the finish line and cheered him to his finish.

“To perform for them is amazing,” Larson said, who admits he never dreamed of winning it all. “I can’t even imagine. When I came out to run track my freshman year, I never would have imagined I’d be a state champion.”

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