by By Dan Ninham
High achieving student-athletes set high achieving goals. To be an Olympian representing the USA and the Blackfeet Nation are one runner’s goals.
Kiara Iron Heart, 17, attends Browning HS in Montana. She is on the cross country and track teams.
Kiara is from the Blackfeet Nation. “My Indian name is Old Buffalo Stone Woman,” said Kiara.
Kiera’s top athletic accomplishments are getting a 2:36 personal record in the 800 meter race at the Montana Western A Divisional track meet. She also received first place in the 1600 meter race at the Colombia Falls Iceberg Invitational track meet with a time of 5:47.
“When I run I always push myself even when it gets hard and even on the days I don’t feel like it,” said Kiara. “I keep my mind set on what I’m doing and what I wanna do in the future. I don’t just settle, I raise the bar high when it comes to what I want to accomplish.”
“I always think back to where I come from which is the Blackfeet,” said Kiara. “Blackfeet are strong and resilient, we don’t give up. And thinking back to that encourages me.”
“I really look up to Roy McNabb, my cross country coach and the assistant track coach,” said Kiara. “I’ve known him since freshman year track season. Ever since then he’s always been encouraging us and motivating us to keep going. He believes in us, which in turn makes me believe in myself and be successful in what I do.”
“He’s full of knowledge, wisdom, and he’s always there for us, which makes me have a lot of respect for him. He is always reminding us to stay mentally strong. He inspires me to be the person I want to be,” added Kiara.
“Kiara has all the qualities of a great athlete,” said assistant track coach Roy McNabb. “She’s smart, talented, hard-working, and dedicated. Her success in sports and school are due to her dedication and effort. I believe she’s smart and strong enough to do whatever she wants in life.”
“She’s mentally tough. Setbacks don’t keep her down long and I’ve never heard her talk about giving up. Strong goal setting and positive training habits are big in her success, not just in sports but in the classroom as well. We have big goals this season and at the college level and for a driven athlete like her I feel that nothing is out of her reach,” added Coach Roy.
“The track coach Robert Miller is always motivating me for the next season or next race,” said Kiara. “He’s always been there since freshman year motivating us to be at the best level we can be at. He’s always teasing us and making us laugh but I know he wants us to be successful.”
“I have a lot of respect for what he does for us. He makes sure we’re doing good in school, we’re in good health, and getting us prepped for the next thing. He cares a lot about our character and is always sharing his knowledge with us. He’s always there getting us hype and ready for go time,” added Kiara.
“Kiara is like that silent warrior,” said Coach Robert Miller. “She doesn’t say much but she will out work you. I am so proud of her progress in cross country and track. Great student and reliable as an athlete. She is a great role model for her school, community and the Blackfeet Nation.”
“I believe my running career isn’t over after high school,” said Kiara. “I hope to one day make it to the Olympics.”
Photo Credit: Alex R. Grant
