Burnsview Secondary Grade 12 student Tanaz Aulakh-Kahlon delivered an outstanding performance this summer while representing Team BC at the Legion National Track and Field Championships in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Competing against some of the country's top young athletes, Tanaz captured gold medals in the 400m, 400m hurdles, and 4x400m relay, and holds multiple provincial titles in these events. She also set a personal best and championship record in the 400m hurdles, achievements that earned her the prestigious Leroy Washburn Award, presented to the top female athlete at the entire national meet.
For Tanaz, the championship was the culmination of years of dedication and hard work.
"My time of 58.63 seconds in the 400m hurdles was a personal best by more than a second and was one of the most meaningful races of my season," she said. "It was my first time running under a minute, and it ranks me second in North America among U18 athletes this year. My time of 54.05 seconds in the 400m was just off my personal best, so I was really happy with both performances."
"Competing at a national championship is always really special," Tanaz said. "There's definitely pressure because you know you're racing against some of the best athletes in the country, but it's also an amazing opportunity to represent British Columbia. Being surrounded by so many talented athletes makes the experience even more exciting."
Success at this level does not happen by accident. Months of preparation leading into the championships required consistent training, physical conditioning, and a strong mindset. Tanaz focused on trusting the work she had put in throughout the season and not allowing the pressure of the competition distract her.
That resilience has become one of her greatest strengths.
"When I have a tough practice or a disappointing race, I try to use it as motivation to come back stronger rather than letting it bring me down," she explained. "My teammates are a huge part of staying motivated. They constantly push me to be better, but they also make training fun and give me people to enjoy the journey with."
Behind every successful athlete is a strong support network, and Tanaz is quick to recognize the people who have helped her along the way.
"My coach, Jessie Dosanjh, has had one of the biggest impacts on my athletic journey," she said. "He has never doubted me and has believed in me through every high and low. He has helped me grow not only as an athlete, but as a person."
She is equally grateful for the unwavering encouragement of her family.
"My parents have supported me through every performance, driven me to countless practices and meets, and always encouraged me even when things didn't go the way I wanted. My little brother has also been there for so many races and long drives, always excited to watch me compete."
Balancing elite-level athletics with the demands of school requires discipline and careful planning. Through track and field, Tanaz has developed skills that extend well beyond sport.
"Learning to balance school and training has taught me a lot about time management and discipline," she said. "Track has taught me resilience, consistency, and how to handle both success and disappointment. Those lessons have helped me outside of track as well."
As she prepares for the next chapter, Tanaz has set her sights on competing at the NCAA Division I level while pursuing her undergraduate degree.
"My goal is to continue improving my times and pushing myself to compete at an even higher level. I want to see how far I can take my 400m and 400m hurdles."
Looking back, this season carried special significance as her final year competing in the U18 category.
"My first two years at Legions didn't go the way I wanted," she reflected. "Seeing all that growth come together in my final year to finish with triple gold, a championship record, and the Leroy Washburn Award makes the entire journey truly unforgettable. I'll also always remember my Team BC teammates, coaches, chaperones, and all the moments we shared throughout the week."
For younger student-athletes following in her footsteps, Tanaz offers advice rooted in her own experience.
"Don't let one bad race or one disappointing moment define you. Trust the process, stay consistent, and surround yourself with people who believe in you. Most importantly, enjoy the journey, because the memories you make along the way are just as important as the results."
Through her perseverance, resilience, and commitment to excellence, Tanaz exemplifies the determination and growth mindset that helps students thrive both on and off the track. Her achievements at the Legion National Championships are not only a remarkable athletic accomplishment, but also an inspiring reminder of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication and belief in oneself.
