The Hive Sports

by James Tate

The Stout triplets, Annika, Breklyn, and Cayla, started running and being active in all sports at a young age. Their parents, Paul and Cynthia, noticed their talent and desire to run and take on different hobbies and activities early on. Their parents were talented during their school years, allowing their kids to learn skills and experience various activities growing up.

“They loved to run, and thus, there were times we had to put them on leashes, such as at Yellowstone,” Paul said. “They have been model children. They are obedient and self-motivated, and being triplets means always having their best friends around. You don’t have to call a friend over to play barbies. They excelled at music, became proficient at the piano, and harmonized well. It is such a thrill for a parent to hear their music fill the house.”

Both on and off the track, the Stout triplets embody the spirit of dedication. Their love for being coached, ability to make friends easily, and unwavering motivation and drive to be the best are truly inspiring. 

“They are amazing teammates and natural leaders among our track athletes,” Viewmont track Coach Nicole Lloyd said. “They are a coach’s dream by working harder than we could ask them to and all perform to excellent standards. Secretly, I can never tell them apart, but when they are together, I can get a little closer at guessing which one is which.”

The triplets understand the hard work it takes to accomplish their goals. Overcoming injuries and challenges while competing, Viemont’s strength, speed, and agility coach, Logan Edmonds, has seen firsthand the work the triplets put in to improve.

“What’s better than one Stout track athlete,” Edmonds said. “Is three Stout track athletes. Annika, Breklyn, and Cayla are all great multi-sport athletes who are having a great start to their senior track season. They bring great leadership and constantly have a big smile on their faces. I am excited to see all the success they will find in both region and state competition this spring.”

Annika

Annika, the remarkable hurdler among the triplets, is poised to become a top contender in the 100m hurdles in Region 5. Her journey has been marked by triumph over adversity, including a stress fracture. Yet, she remains undeterred in her quest to qualify for the state championship meet in the hurdle events. While the journey ahead is challenging, Annika is confident in her potential to succeed.

“I love the competition of track, and I like how it forces you to conquer yourself from within to achieve your goals,” Annika said. “Hurdling is also one of my favorite things. My goals are to win the region championship and state championship in the 100 and 300 hurdles. I’ve got a lot of ground to cover, but I know I have the potential to do it.”

Being an accomplished hurdler is not the only event in which Annika stands out; she also competes with her sisters in relay events, and they competed in the 2023 Nike Outdoor Nationals at the University of Oregon Hayward Stadium last summer.

“My most memorable moment running track has gotta be going to Hayward field in Oregon for the outdoor nationals in 2023,” Annika said. “It was such an incredible experience, and unlike any other meet I’ve been to. Also, winning the 4×200 at the Davis Invitational was very memorable as well. I love competing with my sisters because we can do relay races together and achieve our goals. I trust them more than I trust myself in our races.”

Breklyn

Breklyn clinched the title of All-American in the mixed 4x400m event at the prestigious 2023 Nike Outdoor Nationals at the University of Oregon Hayward Stadium. Teaming up with Viewmont teammates Ace Brown, Lexi Toronto, and Jordan Jensen, they finished a commendable sixth in 3:46.12. Having made the 5A state finals as a junior, Breklyn returns this season as a top sprinter, a testament to her hard work and talent. 

“Making it into the finals last year was the most incredible experience,” said Breklyn. “Running with the state’s elite runners was so cool. I was so grateful for how that race went. This truly gave me such fire for my senior season. I knew I needed to make it back there, so every time I trained in the off season, I thought of my state goals. It gives me motivation and confidence.”

Running in Oregon was exciting for Breklyn, but she has accomplished more accolades on the track. Winning races has always been a thrill and excites Breklyn, with all the hard work she has put in.

“In my sophomore year, I got first place in the 200m of the Davis Invitational open section, and it was the greatest day ever because I did not expect to win, but I ran hard, and the results came,” Breklyn said. “Getting a gold medal has always been memorable for me. This was especially sweet because the year before, I fell in the district 200m, and it was so incredible to come back from a fall and have a great race.”

Cayla

The triplets are excellent athletes and love to compete in many sports, and Cayla has used a part of each sport to stay sharp. Track is tops on Cayla’s list, and running comes naturally. Her faith plays a vital role in her ability to compete and succeed.

“I love all the sports I play, tennis, cross country, track, and basketball,” Cayla said. “My favorite would probably be track because it is the one I have excelled at most. I think that playing the sports I have has given me a strong mentality. My life has been very busy with sports and it has taught me to stay organized and mentally prepared. But I think the biggest thing is that sports have taught me to rely on God because I know I cannot compete at any level without him.”

Competing at the 2023 Nike Outdoor Nationals is also a favorite time for Cayla, as she ran in the relay events. 

“I was on the team that won the emerging elite sprint medley race; we placed 5th in the 4×100 relay,” Cayla said. “I got to see the ocean for the first time on that trip, and my family made a sign for my sisters and me when we came back that said, “Congratulations on your success!” My cousins also made us a cake with a track drawn in icing.”

Gold Medal Athletics

The girls’ hard work throughout the year has resulted in them competing at a high level on the track and improving, and training with Gold Medal Athletics (GMA) is a significant part of that. GMA has produced over 100 high school state champions and current athletes running at the college level, led by former Brigham Young University USA champion Sean Maye.

“GMA is the best as I often work with the hurdle coach, Isaiah Gerald, who has been the turning point in my track success,” Annika said. “All of the coaches are knowledgeable and can help me correct my mistakes. The girls and boys who run on the team also make it so exciting. I’ve made some excellent friends because I run with GMA.”

“I have learned so much with GMA and have learned to push myself deeper in a way I didn’t know I could,” Breklyn said. “I learned the critical aspects of each race. My teammates and coaches are amazing and supportive; we are a team. I have learned to trust my coaches, training, and myself. Because of GMA, I can confidently race and focus on enjoying the results.”

Triplets have bright future

As the triplets close their high school years, they know they always have support from their parents, as well as their older brother (Jayden) and sister (Jenna).

Faith and family are important to them, and looking out for support for each other is lifelong, as their older siblings are often seen at track meets.

“I plan on attending college and I want to continue my track career there also,” Cayla said. “I am going to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints sometime in the next little bit. I’m still seeing how it will all work, but I’m excited for what comes next.”

“I’m unsure yet, and I want to run track in college,” Breklyn said. “I want to become a physical therapist or athletic trainer and serve on an LDS mission. I’m keeping my future open.”

“My plans after high school are just trying to run somewhere at college, and possibly serve a mission a little later,” Annika said.

Before the track season ends and the Stout triplets move on to other adventures, it will be exciting to see them compete against each other and with each other at the region and state championship meets.

photos courtesy Paul Stout and James Tate