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IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa sophomore sprinter and hurdler Kylie Morken is a Dean’s List student and academic All-Big Ten honoree.
Morken runs the 200 meters, 400 meters, 400 hurdles, and distance medley relay. She ran her fastest 400 hurdles at the 2018 Drake Relays in 1:02.12. At the 2018 Florida Relays, Morken ran the second leg of the Hawkeyes’ fastest DMR (12:03.04) of the season.
Morken is an Ames, Iowa, native and a pre-physical therapy major.
What do you want to achieve this season?
“This year, I’m hoping the team can finish as well as they placed last year at the conference meet, and I hope to contribute by scoring some points myself.”
What is your favorite memory as a Hawkeye?
“My favorite memory as a Hawkeye would probably be sitting with the kids up on the 12th floor of the children’s hospital during the Ohio State game. Seeing the wave and everyone rush the field was so special, and the joy on the kids’ faces is something I’ll never forget.”
What is the best advice you’ve ever received from a coach?
“‘Make sure whatever you’re doing at the time, you are 100% invested, whether it’s competing at a big meet, completing a workout in practice, or studying.’ – Coach Mike Boykin (volunteer assistant)”
If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would it be?
“My grandmas, because they’re the funniest people I know and would probably pay for my dinner.”
Who has been the most influential to you at Iowa?
“Heaven Chandler was, and still is one of my biggest role models. She was like a mom to me my freshman year, and has had so much success in school, track, and now law school. My goal in life is to try to be like her.”
If not track & field, what sport would you play?
“Definitely gymnastics. I’m probably way too tall to actually do it, but I could do a mean cartwheel and handstand back in the day.”
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
“I’m actually part Norwegian, and a lot of my family still lives in Norway.”
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
“Definitely Lolo Jones, she’s crazy fast over hurdles and hilarious on social media.”
Do you have any pre-meet rituals?
“I always have to drink a cup of coffee the morning before my races. I’m not even a heavy coffee-drinker, but it’s just something I started doing.”
If you could choose a super power, what would you choose?
“I’ve always wanted to be able to teleport. It would be so cool to travel everywhere without the travel time.”
How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
“That needs to be an NCAA violation.”
Where’s your favorite spot on campus?
“The art library because there’s so many windows, and you’re literally floating over water. I could seriously study there all day.”
