Early mornings, long practices, and hot asphalt. Track is a physically demanding sport that requires the utmost perseverance. Luckily for junior Harry Flint, this mentality comes naturally to him on the varsity indoor track team.

Flint has been running with the high school for 3 years running in both the 400 meter and the 600 meter along with being a part of the 4×800 relay and 4×400 relay. After a successful indoor season, Flint’s times have ranked him as the top junior in the state for the 600 meter, and set the school record for both the 4×800 and 4×400 relays. Now headed for nationals, Flint hopes for success in the team 4×800 relay.

Junior Santi Sierra, a varsity teammate of Flint’s since freshman year, says Flint’s mindset is what sets him apart from other runners.

“He’s a hard worker, but we have a lot of hard workers. I think it’s more his focus and his commitment to his goals,” Sierra said.

Sierra said that Flint’s work ethic shines through in his daily traditions.

“He writes the times he wants on his hand, which shows that he’s committed and that he has the mental focus to go chase that goal and believe in himself and this commitment,” Sierra said.

According to Junior Elijah Sweeney who has been running with Flint for three years, he notices the impact his mentality has on the team.

“He’s a really big team player. Having that mentality helps boost the mentality [of others] as well,” Sweeney said.

Due to his strength of character, Sweeney feels confident running alongside Flint in the 4×800 relay.

“Handing off the baton to Harry, or receiving the baton from Harry, you know you’re in a good position. You can feel confident to go out and win the race,” Sweeney said.

Due to Nationals, the track season can span much longer than most other sports. Because of this, track athletes must ensure the well-being of their bodies in order to be at the top of their game, according to Flint.

“I have to stretch constantly. I’ve got to eat the best food that I can and just have to keep my body as a temple. Flint said.

With Nationals approaching on March 13, Flint hopes to be an All-American for New Balance Nationals in the 4×800 alongside his relay team. He also hopes to improve his times during the outdoor spring season.

Running alongside some of the best runners in the state is no easy task, but according to Sierra, Flint takes it in stride.

“He’s still a junior, and the fact that he’s been able to compete with the best in the state to that level was impressive,” Sierra said.

According to Sweeney the determination of Flint is noticeable.

“He won’t give up under any circumstances, no matter who he’s going up against,” Sweeney said.

For Flint, running alongside older, more experienced runners is both a privilege and a motivator.

“Just pushing myself against a lot of the seniors, that’s just the most fun part for me, knowing that I’m a junior and I can leave it all on the track, being a year younger than some of these guys that are the best,” Flint said.

Rather than focusing on times or the competition, Flint’s expectations for himself push him to be the best he can.

“What always tends to push me is that feeling of going to bed every night and knowing that you could have pushed more, that feeling that you could have done more and gotten more out of yourself,” Flint said. “When I’m on the line for my next race, I just want to know that I can go to bed that night, knowing that I left it all on the track.”