Milesplit SC interviewed Peyton Hightower about her performances at the KYA HS Indoor Classic and The VA Showcase and more before the 2025 South Carolina high school outdoor track and field season.
Interview by intern Krista Silletti
After an impressive indoor 400m performance at the VA Showcase and KYA Invitational this season, how are you feeling about your indoor season thus far?
I'm feeling pretty good about my indoor performances thus far. The KYA Invitational was definitely my best indoor meet so far. I've met one of my goals for my indoor season, but I definitely want to lower my 60 and 200 times. I'm happy with the progress I've made throughout the indoor season.
What are your plans for the remainder of this indoor season? Do you plan to run at any national meets in March?
I plan to compete in one more indoor meet in Alabama before indoor nationals. At the moment, I'm planning to compete at Nike Indoor Nationals in New York.
South Carolina does not have a sanctioned high school indoor season, so many of our state's runners have never raced indoors. Can you share some of your thoughts of indoor vs. outdoor running?
I personally prefer the outdoor season. Indoor is a lot more strategic especially with the 400, since you have to have a strategy for two laps. It can also be challenging to run on bank tracks for first time indoor runners. I will say indoors is better weather wise.
What is your go-to pre race meal?
The night before a meet I love eating pasta or salmon. On meet day before my race, you will most likely see me eating a sandwich and fruit.
Great day at the Birmingham Indoor Nationals!
400: 56.16 (Indoor PR)
200: 25.65
60: 7.94 (PR) pic.twitter.com/qWX82vBWqI
Which is your favorite event to run and why?
My favorite event to run is the 400. It's not the event I started with but it's definitely grown on me a lot. It's the perfect distance for a long sprinter. I like how it's not too short or too long. I also like how mental it is and the process of developing strategy to execute each part of the race.
"My favorite event to run is the 400. It's not the event I started with but it's definitely grown on me a lot." - Peyton Hightower
Which event that you do not compete in is your favorite to watch others compete in?
I enjoy watching the hurdles compete. Hurdling looks very technical and the 100 hurdles is always an exciting event to watch.
What are some goals you have or experiences you are looking forward to for this upcoming outdoor season?
One goal I have is to improve my times and stay consistent in all my events. I would also like to see myself run a couple of 100s. I'm also looking forward to championship season and outdoor nationals. As well as the big meets in between including SCTCCCA Coaches Classic Elite and All-American Track Classic.
How has the journey been for you since having to overcome a major injury and getting back to racing?
The journey has been hard and definitely required lots of patience. I spent months in physical therapy. When I was able to run on the track again, I had to start with distances like the 800. It was hard being a sprinter but not being able to compete in events like the 100 and 200 right away. It was a little discouraging at first, but I'm blessed to be healthy and to have had a great first season back.
What is your strategy for dealing with the pressures that come with a sport that is so highly individualized?
I try my best to go into every race with a clear mind. I focus on my individual race plan and how I want to run my race. I pray that nerves and any anxiety is taken away before I run. I also take deep breaths any time I start to feel pressure. You are your own competition so don't focus on anyone else or any outside noise.
Any advice that you have for up and coming runners?
My biggest advice is to not get discouraged if you don't see results right away. You may not PR every meet, but use that as fuel to practice on the things you can improve. It can take many meets, months or years until you see improvement. Don't give up. With hard work, you will see the results and your time will pay off. I will also say to not be afraid to try different events. You never know what you're good at, until you try it.