Bella Burda On A Winning Streak At The Armory

By Chris Lotsbom, ArmoryTrack.com

NEW YORK (13-Jan) -- On February 15 at the NYRR Millrose Games, Arlington High School junior Bella Burda will toe the line at The New Balance Track & Field Center at The Armory with one goal in mind: win the New Balance Invitational High School Mile. 

Last year, Burda qualified for the event and finished fourth, less than three seconds behind champion Sabrina Southerland in 4:54.73. Now, nearly twelve months later, Burda is ready to make a claim for the top position.

So far this indoor season, the 2012 Gatorade Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year for New York has been perfect at The Armory's oval. On January 4 at The Hispanic Games, she won the Invitational mile in 4:58.46, earning a spot on the start line at the NYRR Millrose Games. A week later Burda returned to win the Malloy Stanner Games 3000 meters in 9:55.85, breaking away from Newburgh's Gianna Frontera with a kilometer remaining.

"I didn't run quite as fast as I hoped I would, but it was a good race," Burda told ArmoryTrack.com. "You can't be upset with a win!"

Looking ahead, Burda's main focus at the moment is the NYRR Millrose Games, where she'll face off against some of the top prep milers in the area. 

"I'm really excited for Millrose," she said, sporting a wide smile. "I went there last year and just walking in I was so impressed by the scale of the meet. I loved being able to watch Olympians like right next to the track. And to go race [the mile], it was so exciting."

This year, Burda plans to use her knowledge and experience at the meet to increase her chances of a victory.

"I think so. I think I understand the strategy a bit better," she said, noting how the NYRR Millrose Games atmosphere is unlike any other meet. 

Rounding into fine form as the indoor track season heats up, Burda hopes to keep winning at The Armory.

"My goal is to get a PR in the 3000m and the mile too," she said. "I'm feeling really good." 

Photo/John Nepolitan for ArmoryTrack.com