Hannah Adhikari '24 Recruiting Profile

On January 23rd, 2022, I fell and fractured my right femur during the 3200m at Conference Championships. Just like that my sophomore track season was over. That same day, I underwent surgery, in which a titanium rod and screws were permanently inserted into my leg. 12 hours later, using crutches, I walked around the hospital room. On February 15th, less than a month after the injury, I began physical therapy, working every single day to strengthen my leg and hip to bring me back to full recovery. Then, on April 12th, at physical therapy, I ran for the first time since my injury. Each session, I pushed to run a little faster for a little longer, until I was able to run for 30 minutes straight before May. When the spring track season started in March, I was still walking with the assistance of crutches. So why did I show up for practice the first day of the season? Well, even if I was unable to physically train, nothing was stopping me from mentally training and learning more from the sidelines. So, I returned to Franklin High School as a manager, helping to coach as well as learn from my teammates. This leadership position opened my eyes to the fact that I loved pouring into others, helping them to improve while also bettering myself.

Once I was able to run again, I trained consistently throughout the spring and summer, racing in my first meet exactly 6 months post-injury, taking 2nd in the 800 with a time of 2:24. I promptly began the cross country season a few weeks later, making it all the way to State Group Championships after securing a new 5K PR at State Sectionals. In the winter track season, I individually qualified for Meet of Champions for the first time in the 1600 and 800. This was after running an all-time 1600m PR at State Sectionals at the Toms River Bubble. In my junior year spring season, I helped my 4x400 team win at County Relays, bring home a wheel at the prestigious Penn Relays, and qualify for the Meet of Champions, and individually, I have secured an all-time PR and a spot as Conference division champ in the 800 as well as made it to State Groups in the 1600m.

Given the severity of my injury, no one expected me to return to the track within a year. I myself did not even know when I'd make my post-injury debut, but I knew that I wanted to beat the odds. With the help of my incredible support system—my parents, younger sister/teammate, friends/teammates, coaches, competitors, and ultimately, God—not only did I resume competition within six months, but I have also surpassed my previous times and school records at the biggest meets in the state.

This setback opened doors for me not only athletically, but also academically, socially, and spiritually. I was able to attend summer programs, partake in youth leadership programs, and go on missions trips to serve the underprivileged and marginalized. These events, which I would not have been able to participate in if not for my injury, helped me realize my passion for business, political science, mental health awareness, social justice, and more. All in all, I am GRATEFUL for this obstacle, which was in reality an opportunity.