GIRLS WINNER: Kira Soderstrom - Senior @ Winter Park
Winter Park runner Kira Soderstrom epitomizes the word warrior; “a person who shows great vigor, courage, or aggressiveness in politics or sports.” The senior was gearing up for the district championships when an unexpected pain crossed her body.
“When I went home from school the pain didn’t really intensify, but I was never able to get rid of it. When I went in the bath the pain went away, but as soon as I got out the pain came right back.”
Soderstrom’s parents began to take notice of the pain that was bothering their daughter. Several hours later, a family friend, Dr. Einhorn, came by to check on Soderstrom and said she had a possible appendicitis. She was taken to the hospital to get checked on where they performed numerous tests. The senior says they were about to send her home when Dr. Einhorn’s colleague stopped by for one final check up.
“Dr. Levy who is a surgeon comes in after he personally reviewed my CAT scan. He pushed on my stomach and then was hesitant to tell me that I would need surgery because I had appendicitis.”
The senior was reluctant to have the surgery. The district championship meet was just three days away and after sustaining a small injury during cross country season she was determined to prove herself on the track. Levy, who ran back in the day for Edgewater and ran against Winter Park great Brian Jaeger, knew the importance of the meet but wasn’t budging.
“I asked if the surgery could wait until after Thursday, but he said no. When they were rolling me out I almost went into a meltdown and I started to cry. I had never had surgery before. I was terrified. I remember being out of surgery around 2 a.m. and they let me leave at 8 a.m. on Tuesday.”
When Dr. Levy told her that he wouldn’t put any restrictions on her activity level and that she’d be able to run if she could handle it, she finally calmed down. On Wednesday, Soderstrom didn’t know if she would run or not and when a friend said her surgery sounded intense she responded with, “yeah, but so am I.” She added that the next day would be a battle between her and her surgery to see who had the strongest will.
On Thursday morning, the senior worked out for the first time. She says the pain was still there, but it was more of a “stinging pain and not a piercing pain”. For her it was a good sign and one that she’d be able to run later in the day.
“My first goal was to qualify and my second goal was to win both the 1600 and 3200. I had no idea how I was going to perform until the gun went off. I just cruised and focused on correcting my posture the entire time. I had a strong finish and was very happy with my performance.”
Soderstrom accomplished both goals less than 48 hours after surgery by winning the 1600 in 5:13 and 3200 in 11:34. She says she is thankful that she even got the opportunity to run and that her love for the sport persevered over the pain.
“I was able to stay in the zone for my races. It was almost like I didn’t feel any pain. I think it’s because I love what I’m doing. I love racing. I love performing.”
Her coach Kristin McWilliams says that Soderstrom stayed, “positive, upbeat and determined,” throughout the whole situation.
“Never once did she let the piercing pain overtake her. Everyone including her competition was wowed by her fearlessness and determination.”
She adds that everyone who comes across Soderstrom is awed by her up-beat personality.
“At the Senior FACA cross country meet, Coach Howard of Wiregrass Ranch told her it was great to meet her and that his life was better having done so. This truly sums up Kira's amazing attitude and impact on others.”
The senior, who is headed to the University of Southern California next year, will have one more test before states. Soderstrom and the Wildcats will host the “region of death” this week at Showalter Field. She says she is ready for round two.
“I’m not in as much pain. I had my first workout Monday and it went real well. My goal is to run hard and run fast.”
Personal Bests
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1600 Meter Run 5:03.61
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3200 Meter Run 10:51.69
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5000 Meter Run 18:39.00