Laurel School first grader takes the track at Junior Olympics

Laurel School first grader Kaden Easter took the track at the USA Track & Field Junior Olympics last week, competing in both the 4×100 and 4×400 relays as a member of the East Palo Alto Greyhounds.

It was Kaden’s first year competing, and after three years with the Greyhounds, he earned a spot on the team that advanced to the Junior Olympics. In the 4×400, Kaden ran a personal best 1:22 split in his leg, a remarkable time for a first grader.

Usually one of the most social kids around the neighborhood, Kaden got noticeably quiet when he walked into the stadium and saw the magnitude of the competition. But when it was time to run, he delivered.

“I’m crazy proud of him,” said his dad, Ken Easter. “You’re running on a big stage. Even though he was nervous, when it came time to go, he showed up.”

Kaden practices with the Greyhounds three days a week, and track is just one of several sports he loves. He also plays baseball and flag football, well on his way to being an all-around young athlete.

His parents, Kyndal and Ken Easter, are excited to see where his natural ability and enthusiasm might take him. As Ken puts it, “He’s got something cooking right now, and he doesn’t even realize it.”