SXU Student-Athlete Makes Track and Field History
Saint Xavier University (SXU) junior Yanira Deana Paninka made women's track and field program history when she ran the fourth-fastest time in the 600m, finishing third overall at the Grand Valley State University Big Meet. Paninka established a new personal record and became the third SXU runner to hit the NAIA 'B' Standard in the race.
From Canary Islands, Spain, Paninka didn't always have access to track facilities growing up, so coming to SXU, being presented with endless opportunities, and making program history has meant the world to her.
"It felt incredible. For me, it's a testament that persistence and hard work truly pay off. I come from a part of Spain where there is no access to track facilities, so being here and achieving everything shows that it's not about resources; it's about motivation and determination. Achieving the fourth-fastest time in program history and hitting the NAIA 'B' Standard was more than just a result; it was a reward for all the effort I've put into my training. I feel very proud, and it only fuels my desire to keep improving," Paninka said.
Paninka's mental and physical improvement since beginning her journey at SXU with the women's cross country and track teams has been monumental. Arriving at SXU as a sprinter, long-distance running was never her forte, but by experimenting with new things, she has pushed herself to new heights.
"One thing that helped me was doing cross-country, even though I'm not a long-distance runner. That season taught me to push through the later stages of a race, building up my endurance and confidence. It helped me realize that I don't "break down" at the end of races anymore, which used to be a real struggle for me. Now, in my track and field season, I'm able to apply that endurance, which has made a huge difference in my ability to finish strong. Cross-country gave me the mental toughness I needed to tackle the final parts of my races, and I've seen the results in my performances," Paninka said.
On the academic side, Paninka is just as successful as she is on the track. The biology major believes excelling in both academics and athletics is incredibly important and will set her up for long-term success. With lofty plans for her future after SXU, she plans to specialize in cancer research in Germany while also helping her family's business back home in Spain.
"I plan to pursue a master's degree in Germany, where I hope to specialize in scientific research, particularly DNA modification and cancer research. I'm passionate about making an impact in these fields, and I'm excited to contribute to advancements that could benefit so many people. Along with my research career, I plan to be involved in my family business back home, balancing my scientific career and supporting the family legacy. It's an exciting path ahead, and I'm eager to apply what I learn in both the academic and personal aspects of my life," Paninka said.
While the track team gears up for the NAIA Women's Indoor Track and Field National Championships in Florida, Paninka is focused on continuing to improve her time in the 600m.
"The team has been working incredibly hard as we prepare for Nationals. We all know what we're capable of, and we've been working to ensure we're ready to give it our all. Every race is an opportunity to learn and refine my performance, and I'm excited to apply what I've been working on in Nationals. We're all pushing each other to be the best versions of ourselves, and the energy within the team is amazing as we head toward this big challenge," Paninka said.