Indiana Teen Breaks Hurdles Record After Only 2 Years

Two years ago, Rylan Hainje had never competed in a sport. Last week, the Franklin Central senior ran the 110-meter hurdles in 13.05 seconds, breaking a record that stood for 17 years.

The time would officially be the fastest ever recorded by a high school athlete, surpassing Wayne Davis's 2009 mark of 13.08 seconds. Without a wind reading at the regional meet in Greenfield, Indiana, the record won't be officially recognized, but coaches and witnesses say conditions were neutral or even slightly against him.

"I think it was a headwind," Hainje said after the race. His father, also named Rylan, watched from the fence and could only shake his head in disbelief.

The elder Hainje, a former Butler University basketball star, never imagined his son would become an elite athlete. When asked if he saw this coming, his answer is simple: "Never."

Hainje only started running competitively as a sophomore. By his junior year, he swept both hurdles events at the state championships, setting new records in each. This season has been even more remarkable, with multiple performances that rank among the best in the nation.

The Marion County Athletic Association just named him Male Athlete of the Year, an honor dating back to 1950. He joins a legacy of Indiana sports legends while charting his own unique path.

Hainje credits passion over time. "I didn't have as much time as some of these other kids, but I've always had the passion to push myself further," he said.

Why This Inspires

Hainje's story challenges everything we think we know about athletic development. While most elite high school athletes have spent a decade or more honing their craft, he compressed that timeline into two years through dedication and natural talent.

His father sees something deeper than physical gifts. "He's probably the complete opposite of me," the elder Hainje said, reflecting on his own confident playing style. "He'll go out there and kick your butt and then come back and shake your hand."

Next year, Hainje will attend Marian University, an NAIA powerhouse that just won men's and women's indoor national titles. He turned down Division I opportunities to join a program where he felt the strongest connection with coaches and teammates.

With one more high school meet ahead at the state championships, Hainje is also part of a 4x400-meter relay team that just broke a 46-year-old state record. Whatever happens next Saturday, his legacy is already secure as proof that it's never too late to discover your gift.