KHS freshman holds 300m hurdles record and has set sights on more

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Giyanna Thornton, a freshman at Kokomo High School, is quickly turning heads in the track and field world. As one half of the Lady Kats’ dynamic hurdles duo, she’s proving to be a rising star with a bright future ahead.

Despite being new to high school athletics, Giyanna is already making a powerful impact—not just with her talent, but with her determination and resilience. Girls head track coach Dana Neer is thrilled with what he’s seen from Thornton so far.

“Giyanna is a joy,” said Neer. “She has really begun to blossom as a hurdler after having a bit of a discouraging start. She initially tried the 100-meter high hurdles and had a stumble, which can really get to your mind as an athlete.”

But Giyanna didn’t let that early mistake define her.

“It only took her about 30 minutes to change her mindset and keep attacking this obstacle,” Neer continued. “Since then, she has been excelling in the 100-meter hurdles and is now the new record holder in the 300-meter hurdles. It’s just incredible.

“After 20 years, two young ladies—Jhazlyn McKay and Giyanna—come along and set new records in the same season. Amazing!”

Giyanna’s love for running started at a young age.

“My first memories of running were when I would race my older cousins,” she shared. “I’d be faster, and from there, that’s where my love for track came from.”

It’s clear that athleticism runs in her blood. Her cousin, Plez Lawrence, was a standout football player for Kokomo High School and now plays running back for Indiana State University. Thornton also credits her parents and extended family for her speed.

“I believe it came from my parents and all my other cousins because they are fast,” she said.

One of the most inspiring aspects of Giyanna’s journey is her friendship with fellow standout hurdler McKay. Their bond is strong and fuels their competitive spirit.

“Our friendship makes me feel great,” said Giyanna. “It’s like a built-in best friend. Being around her makes me want to work harder to be as good as her.”

As just a freshman, Giyanna is already a record holder, and the ceiling seems limitless. But she’s not resting on early success.

“I have high expectations for myself,” she said. “I want to break the record every year and get better in the 100-meter hurdles.”

With her bright smile, humble spirit, and fierce drive, Giyanna Thornton is on a path to greatness. Kokomo fans are surely in for a treat watching her blossom in the years to come.