Polina Krupsky did not plan on being a runner. Four years later, she is headed to the University of Colorado to compete in track.

Krupsky tried cross country for the first time her freshman year not knowing what to expect. What followed was four years of cross country and track, an All-State finish in the 800-meter run in 2025, a first place finish at the 2026 indoor track final, and a full season lost to injury somewhere in the middle.

“It was honestly really hard and I didn’t really like it for a while,” Krupsky said about her first cross country season. “But I have never liked giving up and love to push myself to prove that I can do hard things.”

By the time freshman track came around, something had changed. That was when she said she really fell in love with the sport, and when she started taking it seriously.

Her sophomore track season never actually happened. Stress fractures stopped her before it had even started. Unable to run, Krupsky kept training in other ways injury would still allow her to. Whether it was in the gym, pool, on the bike, or at physical therapy, Krupsky wanted to make up for her time lost running.

“Track was all I ever thought about, so not being able to participate was really rough on me,” Krupsky said. “My biggest fear was falling behind.”

Krupsky said the injury forced her to learn things she might not have otherwise. Standing at the finish line, earning that accomplishment meant more than just another award, it meant that her road to recovery helped lead her to success, and that all of the work she put in was worth it.

”Although it sucks, my injuries get me to come back even stronger,” Krupsky said. “They lead me to building new habits and breaking old harmful ones.”

She came back junior year and made it to the state track meet, earning All-State in the 800. Standing at the finish line, earning that accomplishment meant more than just another award, it meant that her road to recovery helped lead her to success, and that all of the work she put in was worth it.

“It felt kind of surreal at first because it’s something I’ve worked really hard for,” Krupsky said. “Especially after sitting out my entire sophomore track season, being on that podium really meant a lot to me.”

She said she went into that race without the confidence she wished she had, and it was something she regretted. But it also taught her something.

”That just taught me to have more trust and have confidence in my abilities,” Krupsky said.

Cross country coach Courtney May, who has coached Krupsky this season, said the results did not surprise her.

”She adheres to her training and has a passion for the sport,” May said.

May also said Krupsky stands out as a teammate just as much as she does as a competitor.

“She’s fun and engaging – she makes the others laugh as well as builds up their spirits,” May said.

On top of her All-State finish, Krupsky won her race at the Illinois Indoor Championships for track during her senior season. When asked about her favorite moments while competing these four years, she does not respond with the straight results.

”Hugging my teammates and friends is probably the most rewarding part,” she said. “Especially when you can tell you have made people proud.”

This fall, Krupsky will continue competing in track at the University of Colorado. The results though, are only part of what she is taking with her.

”So many great relationships were made through this sport,” she said. “That is another thing I love about it.”