Awards shows. This may be a controversial opinion, but these showings are often far more spectacle than substance, as the biggest names and most marketable faces sit in a massage train praising the others in infinite circles in a positive feedback loop of devastating predictability.
But one aspect of awards shows deserve every bit of praise that comes their direction: offering a leg up, a platform, a spotlight, for those often under-recognized and under-appreciated individuals who are accomplishing something truly individual in their respective spheres. Experts are quick to jump to the aid and bestow fountains of praise onto the big names whom will most likely toss the lesser awards into the trash, or tucked away in a box to never be seen again.
But when truly exceptional individuals are delivered their moment at the forefront of the sports world, the world stands still. Such was the case when, alongside the well-heralded Cameron Boozer, Jane Hedengren was announced as the Gatorade Athlete of the Year.
If we're being entirely honest, she absolutely deserves it.
The Gatorade Athlete of the Year goes to Cameron Boozer and Jane Hedengren 🏆 pic.twitter.com/gcqG4Sf7Ux
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) July 17, 2025
Running track and cross country at Timpview High School in Provo, Utah, Hedengren has established herself as the greatest female high school runner to date. She holds national records in the 1,600, 3,200, two-mile, and 5k distances, and more, even breaking an NCAA record on her way. Pure destruction in her wake.
At the Nike Nationals, she won the 3,000-meter event with a 40-second cushion between herself and the second-place finisher. Dominance.
Anticipated to continue on this path and set new PR's for herself along her road, BYU track and field is adding another exceptional runner to their ranks, bolstering a factory for running excellence in Provo, Utah, and strengthening their case to add even more hardware to the trophy display.
After winning the national championship in both men's and women's cross country last season, BYU is only getting stronger. The nation shudders in unison at the very concept of such speed. Alert the special forces, the sound barrier may start breaking regularly from Utah County. Don't be alarmed, they're just torching the pavement.
For now, this is Jane's moment. She'll have plenty more.