Speed, Spirit, and Six Medals for MST

MST hosted the ISTAA Cross Country tournament for the third straight year with 352 students competing. The November 21 tournament welcomed runners from 11 international schools: BST, CAJ, Columbia, KAIS, KIST, Malvern, MST, Nishimachi, SIS, UST, and Yoyogi. MST brought a strong team of 57 runners, from 1st grade through middle school, many competing in their first inter-school race. 

Despite the highly competitive field, MST runners delivered standout performances and secured six medals:

G1 Girls – 3rd: Alina (Ginkgo)

G4 Boys – 2nd: Lucas (Willow)

G4 Girls – 3rd: Lea (Willow)

G5 Boys – 1st: Takuma (Willow)

G6 Girls – 3rd: Ylfa (Willow)

G8 Girls – 2nd: Mina (Eucalyptus)

Though making up 16% of the participants, our school continued its tradition of overachieving, nabbing 22% of the medals. But the chance to push oneself in perfect weather, with Rainbow Bridge in the distance, made everyone a winner. Also notable were two former longtime MST students who also medaled for other schools.

Malvern athletes set the pace for the day. The fastest 2km time, 8 minutes and 16 seconds, was by a G3 boy. The quickest 3km pace was 11:15 by a G8 boy.

Two middle schoolers inserted a little whimsy into their races. They carried their writing assignments scrolled like a relay baton during the run and delivered them triumphantly to their teacher at the finish line, proof that Montessorians always find a way to mix in a little academics with their extracurriculars.

Special thanks to the many parent volunteers who served as monitors all along the race, as well as helped with directing crowds, setting up and, most importantly, cheering all the runners.

From our youngest racers to our seasoned middle schoolers, MST runners showed determination, sportsmanship, and the joy of pushing through their limits. Congratulations to all the athletes!

Wind Edward Kim and Gel Vicencio

(Read about our first year hosting and last year’s event.)