Nechako Valley Secondary School grade eight student Simon Nemethy accomplished what he set out to do at this years provincial track championship.
The 48 annual provincial high school track and field races were held in Langley June 4 to 6 on three of the hottest and driest days seen this summer.
“It was really hot the whole time but I had lots of fun. It feels really good I broke two records and broke my brothers record,” Nemethy said.
Beating out competitive students from 114 different high schools, Nemethy came first in both the 1,500 and 3,000 meters races setting new provincial-wide records and personal best times.
“For Simon to be the number one guy from B.C and he’s from this town is just awesome,” NVSS track and field coach Brian Nemethy said. “Obviously I’m so proud of him. The times are quite fast, it wasn’t an easy win, and he smashed those records really well. Not to mention he’s a hockey boy that just likes the running but clearly does well at it. I’m just so happy for him.”
The junior high schooler athlete beat the old 1,500 metre time previously set by Ross Wiens at 4 mins 31 seconds with a new record breaker and personal best time of 4 mins and 29 seconds. Nemethy also beat the 3,000 metre race time previously set by his older brother and now senior, Alex Nemethy, by eight seconds. The former record held by Alex was 10 minutes and two seconds. Simon ran it in nine minutes and 54 seconds.
Simon is now gearing up for upcoming club track meets and says it will be different since the distances get shorter.
“Instead of 1,500 metres its 1,200 metres and instead of 3,000 metres its 2,000 metres, so my new goal is just to break my times from last year,” Nemethy said.
Seven students from Nechako Valley took part in the province-wide track and field tournament. The requirement was placing top two at the regional track and field meet that was held last month in Prince George. “I’m really proud of the entire team. Seven of them went down and we had lots of personal bests. Individually they did well and quite a few of them broke NVSS school records again. They worked so hard and because they are in competition with people faster, they just keep getting better. It shows what good competition can do,” coach Nemethy said.