Kaithlyn breaks 24-year CNMI 800m record

The CNMI’s Kaithlyn Chavez, far right, stands at the ready with the other 800m event participants of the Oceania Cup at the Oleai Sports Complex track and field last Saturday.(LEIGH GASES)

The CNMI has a new 800m record-holder as 16-year-old student-athlete phenom Kaithlyn Chavez has broken the long-standing 24-year CNMI record last Saturday during the Oceania Cup at the Oleai Sports Complex track and field.

Chavez’s time and new CNMI 800m record is 2:29.24.

The previous 800m record was made by then student-athlete Jennabree Tollestrup in 1999 with a time of 2:29.70.

Chavez led the middle distance running team of CNMI for the Oceania Cup and joined the 800m, 1,500m, and the 4x400m mixed relay.

She competed against Australia, Micronesia, and Polynesia in the 800m and placed fifth with her CNMI record-setting time.

In the 1,500m, she placed seventh with a time of 5:25.39 and helped the CNMI with a fourth place finish in the 4x400m mixed relay.

Kaithlyn Chavez is the new CNMI’s 800m record-holder after her 800m race in the Oceania Cup last Saturday at the Oleai Sports Complex track and field.(LEIGH GASES)

The reigning NMSA Student Athlete of the Year said on breaking the CNMI record, “When coach Elias [Rangamar] told me I beat the record, I cried and he gave me a hug. Then I went to my mom and cried even more to her. I’ve always wanted to beat the record ever since last year because I was just 1 second off. Until now I still can’t believe that I beat the record and after 24 years it’s finally broken.” 

As she broke the record, she said her favorite event was the 800m.

On how was the experience of competing in the Oceania Cup against the other countries, the young multi-athlete said “The  Cup was really different compared to the Mini Games last year. People were faster so I was pushed more mentally and physically.”

“The competition was honestly a hard one. Athletes were fast and their forms were perfect so I was overwhelmed with it but at the same time it just gave me a boost of motivation to work harder,” she said.

The Saipan International School student said, “Running against different countries is honestly a blessing, you don’t run against Australia or [Papua New Guinea] on a daily basis so being able to race with them was a great opportunity for me cause I was able to push myself and at the same time it opened my view of track outside of Saipan.

She then thanked her parents and friends for cheering her on during her races. “Shout out to Deseaha Mendiola and Aubrey White for always being my No. 1 supporters. As well as to my coaches for always believing in me and pushing me. Lastly, to the volunteers and people behind the scenes for making this competition happen.”