Kristen Holt is only a sophomore at Claremore Sequoyah High School, but the cross-country runner has already built a running philosophy grounded in faith and perseverance.
When asked what motivates her through grueling races, Holt pointed to her faith. “I am inspired by God. He gives me strength to get through the tough moments in sports and life,” she said.
That mindset carries her through the toughest stretches of a race. “I remember that your mind gives up before your body so I’m telling myself to keep going,” Holt said.
Off the course, Holt credits science teacher and coach Fick as an early influence, and she said the camaraderie of the team is her favorite part of the sport. “I enjoy hanging out with teammates,” she said. In her free time, Holt trains and spends time with friends, and when she runs outside of official practice, she keeps it close to home. “I run on the back roads by my house,” she said.
Holt said cross country has shaped her outlook well beyond the finish line. “Athletics has taught me how to have a good work ethic and the importance of teamwork. I have also learned how to grow from failure and stay humble in success,” she said. While she isn’t certain of her personal-best times, she has a clear favorite venue. “I’m not sure, but my favorite course is at Inola,” she said.
The best advice Holt has received about the sport centers on resilience. “Don’t be discouraged after a bad race. Just keep putting in the work and progress will happen,” she said. Looking ahead, Holt hopes to continue her athletic career past high school. “I would like to play college basketball or soccer,” she said.
Holt singled out teammate Sophie Fernandez as someone who has made a lasting impression on her. “She was always positive, supportive, and worked hard every day,” Holt said.
Beyond cross country, Holt stays busy across multiple sports. “Besides cross country, I play softball, basketball, soccer, and run track,” she said. When she gets a break from training, she said her favorite spot in town is Planet Fitness.
With three more years left at Sequoyah, Holt’s faith-driven approach and multi-sport dedication suggest her competitive drive is only getting started.
