Elena Rybak, one of the state's most dynamic runners in 2024, tells her side of what she has been up to.
Story by Dave Behm
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After producing one of the most electric track and field seasons by a middle-distance runner in 2024, in which Glen Carbon (Father McGivney) senior Elena Rybak won two 1A state titles (800/1600m) and ran 2:06.68 and 4:47.40, the stat masters and fans were anticipating an incredible cross-country season.
Rybak started her final harrier season with four straight victories, including a personal best 16:51 victory at the First To The Finish Invitational over a stellar classification field that included eventual state champion Kate Foltz (Jr., Tuscola).
Unfortunately, the Gateway Metro Conference Championship on October 12 would be the final cross-country victory for Rybak. Successive losses leading to the state meet and an 80th-place finish put Rybak in a tough physical and mental space. "I had the mindset that I needed to push through," she said. That pushing through it was a devastating foot injury that landed her on the injured reserve list for the 2025 indoor track and field season.
Rybak's rehab has been going well, according to her. "It's quite the grind; I haven't run much... I started in the pool doing aqua jogging, then biking and elliptical training, and also on an AlterG treadmill."
Rybak is hungrier than ever about getting back to racing. "I would like to bring my team back here (EIU in May for the state meet), keep improving on my PRs, especially the 800," said the University of Notre Dame commit.
One thing is for sure: Rybak is one of the most competitive runners the state of Illinois has ever seen. We wish her nothing but the best.