Kaktins running strong into track cities

Soleil Kaktins is already in good track and field company.

While she’s in just her second year racing competitively, the Vincent Massey sophomore already has her name in the city record book. She broke fellow Viking Daniele Dyck’s 10-year-old record of 12.65 seconds in the 100-metre dash, posting 12.60 at a meet two weeks ago.

“It was pretty cool. She’s definitely a really impressive runner, so knowing I can keep up with her at the same age is pretty awesome, makes things look good for the future,” Kaktins said ahead of today’s city championships.

“There’s still a little bit of time to go (before provincials), so hopefully more training can happen, but the season’s looking pretty good.”

Dyck went on to compete for the University of Saskatchewan track and field team, and Kaktins is well on her way to a similar goal.

She opened the season with a decent showing at Athletics Manitoba’s Spring Open on May 8-9, posting 26.03 seconds in the 200-metre to finish third in the 16-17 women’s division.

Her 12.80 in the 100m was good for fifth, but running the race alongside NCAA Division I commit Kyla Findley — who’s off to Rutgers University next year — made for a great learning opportunity.

“Being consistent and understanding going to other meets in Manitoba, you’re going to be in heats with people five years older than you, and a lot faster and more experienced,” Kaktins said. “You have to focus on yourself and not so much the people around you.”

While she’s expected to win the 100m and 200m today, she’s still just focused on herself, not what’s happening in the lanes beside her.

Kaktins has plenty of experience to draw from at Vikings practices, as the varsity girls feature one of the top 4x100m relay teams in the province with twins Tessa and Chelsey Hoad.

“It’s great. It’s more of a community kind of team; we work hard but it’s a lot of fun. It’s good to run around people you can also help and teach to run, too,” Kaktins said adding the sport has quickly become her favourite.

“I love it. One thing people always tell me is not to do too much, don’t get burned out, but when I come to the track, I’m in my own space and can focus on myself.

“Some days it does (feel like work) but I love it. It feels nice to put in the work and get results.”

The city championships run throughout school hours today at UCT Stadium, with JV and varsity athletes competing for spots in the top three of each event to qualify for provincials.

The three-day championships in Winnipeg were cancelled last year due to poor air quality from the northern Manitoba fires.

This year’s event runs from June 12 to 14.

» tfriesen@brandonsun.com