Balance Key for Elahi

AMES, Iowa - For Iowa State track and field standout Kianna Elahi, balance is key. Juggling academics and athletics for any student-athlete can be a challenge; studying chemical engineering and training as one of the best female 400-meter hurdles in the nation is another thing.

No longer just an up-and-coming standout in the Big 12, the precocious Cyclone currently ranks 19^th in the 400-meter hurdles nationally, and fourth in the conference. With two years left to compete, Elahi is not watching the clock.

"I do feel like I have some time (left), but at the same time I feel like the clock is just ticking," Elahi said. "I feel like two years have gone by really fast; so I feel like I need to get some (more) things done soon."

Getting things done is something to which Elahi is accustomed. In only her first year, Elahi contributed major points to the Cyclones final team scores at both conference meets. Elahi finished fourth in the 600-yard finals at the 2009 Indoor Big 12 Championships, earning five team points. At the 2009 outdoor conference meet, Elahi finished third in the 400-meter hurdles, earning six team points. A silent threat for the Cyclones her first year, Elahi's name is no longer an Ames secret.

"I think (Kianna) has really evolved," assistant coach Nate Wiens said. "She really has become a presence on the track. When we go to meets now, people know who she is and knows what she brings to each race."

Elahi's success has brought more confidence to her approach in races and in practices. Her intensity in practice and in races has earned her the right to be on of the team's leaders.

"I'm confident in my abilities to race this year," Elahi said. "Last year I felt kind of scared that I wouldn't do well (in races). This year I am in a position to be more of a leader. By expecting myself to be a leader that way it has actually helped me personally a lot too, because then I do feel a lot more confident in my training and in races."

If the women's track and field team were in Major League Baseball, Elahi would be a star utility player. This year Elahi has competed in the 400-meter hurdles, 400-meter dash, 600-yard run, 4x100-meter relay, 4x400-meter relay and the Distance Medley Relay.

"She's just an overall talented long sprinter," Wiens said. "Long sprints fit right into her confidence level."

Heading to the Big 12 Outdoor Championships meet this weekend in Columbia, Mo., Elahi looks to make her mark just as she has done at the previous meets.

"I don't remember what I was placed last year because I don't watch the position I am in relative to everyone in our conference," Elahi said. "I do feel like my race has been put together a lot more. I feel like I have a lot more of a game plan this year, where as last year I had a game plan but I would just take the race as it came. This year I have a lot more confidence while I am racing."

With two years left of eligibility on the track team, look for Elahi's name to continue as a mainstay for the Iowa State women's track and field team. For now, enjoy the moment, as we watch Elahi race her way into Iowa State track and field lore.