Anastasia Kudin (‘25), clad in green and gold, sprints around the final curve of South’s red track. The intense wind whips through her elegantly braided ponytail. She torpedoes through the wind–her legs propelling her through the last 100 meters of her 400-meter hurdle race. As her face comes into view, the determination in her eyes is unbreakable.
Kudin sprints over the final hurdle and the crowd holds its breath–then erupts in cheer as she flies through the finish line. Breathing hard, the six-time national championship qualifier looks up at the clock and smiles: 62.72, breaking South’s 400 meter hurdles record by 0.85 seconds.
Kudin is a sprinter specializing in the 400-meter hurdles. She has five total South track records. She holds outdoor records in two events: the 400-meter hurdles (62.73) and 4×200-meter relay (1:44.82). She has set three records in indoor events: the 200-meter sprint (26.17), 4×200-meter relay (1:46.69) and the 4×400-meter relay (3:58.78).
Since her freshman year, she’s competed on the varsity winter and spring track teams, consistently proving herself as a standout athlete. In her first year, Kudin placed second in the freshman 400-meter hurdles, during the 2022 Nationals.
Track has been a constant in Kudin’s high school career. “It’s been an anchor point throughout the last four years, helping me let out my emotions in a healthy way,” she said.
Since her sophomore year, Kudin served as a captain. “Anastasia uplifts the team, keeps them positive, and brings them together like a family,” said head track coach Amirah Muneer.
Kudin leads by example, guiding warm-ups and mentoring underclassmen. “She steps into a leadership role effortlessly, inspiring her teammates with her dedication and positivity,” said teammate Adama Turay (‘25).
Beyond the track, Kudin is a well-rounded scholar. She aspires to major in chemical or aerospace engineering in college. “I always have the motivation to be the best I can be,” she said.
On the track, she is more than just a teammate. Kudin is a friend who goes out of her way to build connections and strengthen the team dynamic. “I’ve always seen Anastasia as a role model,” said sprinter Julius Kinsler (‘26). “She is always there at the finish line cheering me on, making me grateful to have her as a friend.”
The dedication and resilience that make her an outstanding teammate were put to the test when she faced the toughest challenge of her athletic career: a peroneal tendon tear that occurred a year and a half ago.
“Her injury was a setback, but Anastasia never stopped working,” said Kinsler.
As she healed from her injury, Kudin stayed active with the team, offering support and guidance. “Anastasia always takes her leadership role seriously, staying involved in practices and meets, even when she can’t compete,” said Claire Dumortier (‘25).
Kudin made a return this winter, winning the 400-meter race during the indoor Mercer County Tournament. “I’m proud of myself, because I never thought I would be able to do that,” she said. Looking ahead, she aims to place in the top 15 nationally for the 400-meter hurdle race this spring.
For Kudin, running is more than just competition, it’s a passion, a source of strength, and a second family. “Track has shaped who I am,” she said. “No matter the challenges, I’ve always had my teammates, my coaches, and the track itself to push me forward.”
In just three years, Kudin has left an undeniable mark on South’s track team through records and championships, and also through her leadership and unwavering dedication.
“Anastasia is the most talented athlete I’ve ever coached, and it has been an honor to watch her grow and achieve so much,” said Coach Muneer. “Her relentless drive and leadership make her truly special–not just as an athlete, but as a person.”
