.png)
The Penn Hills Indians Track and Field Program has consistently been one of the more successful girls' teams in Western Pennsylvania. This season, senior Mylah Faulk would like to follow in the footsteps of the school's previous standouts like Jordan Lee and Nina Carter.
When it comes to running the 400-meter dash, not many runners would consider it their favorite event, but Faulk does. She enjoys how the event brings out one's speed, endurance, guts, and mental strength to sprint for so long at a breakneck pace. This summer, Faulk dedicated a lot of time to achieving her goal of being one of the state's best 400-meter runners. She ran all summer, hit the weight room, and went out for the Penn Hills Cross Country team during the fall.
"I ran Cross Country to build my endurance, to stay stronger for longer races, and to keep my speed up," explained Faulk.
The 400-meter dash is an event where a strong work ethic is needed to be successful. Faulk has improved alongside her determination each year.
"We could see that Mylah had talent as a freshman; however, it takes time to develop, especially in the sport of track and field when it is so important to develop a work ethic that allows the athlete to improve," explained Penn Hills head coach Lee Zelkowtiz. "Mylah has done just that. Her work ethic has gone to another level. She trusts sprint Coach Carlson Christian, who has worked with her for the past four years. She embraces each workout, takes ownership, and her consistency is spectacular."
With six years of experience in the 400-meter dash, Mylah has her eyes set on breaking 60 seconds this indoor season.
"For indoor, I am working on my speed, technique, and form. I am looking for a 57/58 400 this indoor season." Explained Faulk. "Mylah is highly competitive not only in meets but also in practice, and this attitude makes her such a dangerous competitor" concluded Coach Zelkowtiz.
Athlete Profile
Favorite Event: 400-meter dash
Favorite Venue: Youngstown State University
400m Indoor PR- 1:01.74
TSTCA Meet #2 3rd place 400m dash (Indoor)
2021 TSTCA Meet #4 2nd place 400m dash (Indoor)
2022 WPIAL 400m dash finalist 8th place (Outdoor)
2022 South Fayette Invitational 2nd place (Outdoor)
2022 SRU Invite 5th place (Outdoor)
2022 TSTCA Invitational 4th place (Outdoor)
Q & A with Mylah Faulk
Who would you rather train with: Sydney McLaughlin, Abbey Steiner or Athing Mu?
Athing Mu she inspires me.
Describe the last 100 meters of the 400-meter dash in one word?
Forever
Would you rather run the open 400 or the 4x400 relay if you could only pick one?
4x400m, the adrenaline pumps me up compared to the open 400m and my teammates are relying on me because I am the anchor leg.
Besides the 400-meter dash and 4x400 meter relay, what other events would you like to compete in this indoor season?
200-meter dash, 800-meter run , and 4x200 meter relay.
Are you excited for this indoor season?
I am excited to be the best I can be this season, I want to race myself each race, and to do my best on the track each race.
