Elena set the state MS 3200 record twice, led her 7A team in goals as an 8th grader, and earned Best Forward—all with unmatched work ethic.
Thank you for supporting Elena in this competition. Your participation made a huge impact for the Why Not You Foundation and their mission to empower change in the world, one individual at a time and one child at a time.
What is Youth Athlete of the Year?
Learn MoreElena loves the challenge of seeing how far she can push herself. Whether she’s chasing a goal on the soccer field or a personal record on the track, she loves competing, improving, and knowing that hard work pays off. She also loves being part of a team—encouraging her teammates, celebrating their successes, and working toward something bigger than herself. For Elena, the best part isn’t just winning; it’s the work it takes to get there.
Elena is inspired by athletes who prove that talent is only the beginning—those who work when no one is watching, stay humble, and make the people around them better. She admires competitors who refuse to settle and continually push themselves to improve. That example motivates Elena to train harder, compete with confidence, encourage her teammates, and keep raising the standard she sets for herself.
What makes me proudest of Elena is her work ethic. Running has never come easily to her, but she has built herself into a record-setting runner through grit, discipline, and mental toughness. She trains when she’s tired, pushes when it hurts, and never looks for the easy way out. Watching her accomplish things through sheer determination has taught me that her greatest talent isn’t speed—it’s her willingness to work for what she wants.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Youth Athlete of the Year, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
