WESTON, Mass. — Whether running around a track or on the soccer field, Emilia Tutun gives it her all with her speed and endurance. Having only joined Weston High School (WHS) Track and Field in her freshman year, Emilia has excelled as a mid-distance runner and an integral member of various relay teams.

She has run the 600m since freshman year, walking away content with the WHS school record, winning gold at the recent State Championships, and qualifying for Nationals (in the 400m as well). In addition, she runs the 4×200, 4×400 and 4×800 relays. With amazing teammates and coaching staff, she and her teammates qualified for Nationals in the 4×400 and 4×800 relays. Their 4×400 was a gold medal winning performance, and they won silver in the 4×200. Each relay was ranked in the top 10 of all Massachusetts schools and qualified for the “Rising Stars” division of Nationals.

Emilia also plays soccer year round, finding soccer and track to be complementary sports in terms of certain skills necessary to succeed in both sports. She is ecstatic to continue her soccer career at Bowdoin next year as a freshman in college.

Interview with Emilia Tutun

What are your personal goals within your sport/athletic dreams?

Emilia Tutun: “I achieved my main goal for indoor track just this season, which was to beat my freshman personal record for the 600m. For outdoor track, I am looking to break the school record for the 400m and help our relays as best I can. For soccer, I want to refine my skills and shooting ability to be the best player I can be.”

What is your biggest challenge in your sport, and what do you do to manage this challenge?

Tutun: “I really struggled with running freshman year, because I felt a lot of internal and external pressure to perform well. However, after running throughout quarantine and building confidence in myself both as a person and athlete, I started to enjoy running a lot more and the times came with that. It also helped that I have the best teammates and coaches supporting me.”

What was the best lesson you learned?

Tutun: “Taking risks is important, and, although it is scary to fail, you will never know success if you don’t try. I learned this lesson over time. It is unnerving to think that you are not good enough when it comes to something that you love to do. I have definitely struggled with confidence as an athlete. However, I truly believe that, if you put the time and effort into something, it can and will be achieved.”

What is your inspiration in your sport?

Tutun: “For track, my biggest inspiration is my coach, John Monz. He is always so supportive, and I want to run good times for him.”

What do you love about your sport?

Tutun: “Running the relays, especially the 4×4.”

Describe a mistake you made while competing.

Tutun: “I have actually forgotten what lap I am running. It wasn’t the end of the world, but I didn’t run as fast as I should have and that hurt the relay a bit. I have also not listened to my body, resulting in injury.”

What do you like to do outside of your sport?

Tutun: “I enjoy hanging out with friends and participating in outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking. During quarantine, I picked up painting even though I am not really that good at it yet.”

What has being a member of a team taught you?

Tutun: My teammates and I always try to uplift each other whether we are doing a workout or about to run in a relay. The track community here at Weston is extremely strong, and I feel that we provide motivation and support to each other.”

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