Remi Murray knew “100%” she would be back.

Then a sophomore, the Elk City High School pole vaulter struggled to even leave her bed, only doing so with assistance for a week.

“I was warming up for the 4×4 and did this tiny little jump to try and stay warm,” Murray said. “I immediately fell to the ground and could not move it.”

Murray suffered an anterior inferior iliac spine avulsion fracture – “Apparently, the muscle was too strong and snapped my hip,” Murray explained more plainly. She was told she would not be able to compete again that year, a tough hand after she placed sixth in the pole vault at the 4A state championships in Catoosa her freshman year.

She spent the offseason lifting weights, watching film and taking ice baths consistently, if not religiously. She spent countless hours with her chiropractor. She was determined to return to the state track meet by any means necessary.

By the start of her junior season, she was more than back to her former self. She kept on, higher, higher and higher. Murray cleared her personal best by two feet and passed through regionals with flying colors.

“I proved all the risks and dedication pays off,” Murray said.

Murray tied for third at state with a jump of 10 feet, 6 inches (that jump would have won her a gold medal in Catoosa two years earlier).

“Honestly, it meant the world to me to see all the hard work and battling through injuries finally pay off,” Murray said. “It’s very rewarding to see the amount of people in the stands cheer as your name is announced while they put a medal around your neck.”

Higher, higher, higher Murray aspires to go with hopes to win gold next spring.

“I’m very grateful for the constant support and encouragement from this town, my coaches, my teammates and my family,” Murray said, “and cannot wait to make everybody proud again next year.”