It’s an Olympic summer, and Blake Dietrich is getting in on the action. 

At the Utah junior Olympics June 8, Dietrich, 14, competed in the pentathlon and broke the state shot put record for his age group. 

The shot put is one of five events making up the pentathlon, also including the 100m hurdles, high jump, long jump and 1500m race. 

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Dietrich finished second overall in the pentathlon competition at the event. 

“I was a little disappointed in getting second,” said Dietrich. “Was proud to set a new state pentathlon record in the shot put.”

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Dietrich has been running with his mom Shenen and twin brother Garrett for a few years now. Shenen ran track herself in high school and loves running 5K events nearby. The three typically run the 5K together. 

Shenen and Park City Running Club coach Megan Rule helped Blake get into the pentathlon. Rule raced the 1500m and 3000m steeplechase events herself at Baylor in college. 

The running club is a local nonprofit that provides training, instruction and fitness opportunities for kids ages 11-14. Blake has been with the club since 2022. 

“My mom and coach thought I would be good at it because I already knew how to do many of the events,” added Blake. “As I will be 15 next year, the USATF (USA Track and Field) sponsors the decathlon for my age group; I would like to try the decathlon next year.”

Decathlons span two days and have 10 events, including the 100m, shot put, long jump, high jump, 400m, 110m hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin and 1500m. Blake isn’t afraid to put himself to the test. 

Blake loves being able to race alongside Garrett, who runs the 200m and does shot put as well. He plans to keep on with track despite also having an interest in football, and Blake is a part of the 2024 Miners freshman squad. 

With Blake’s results at the Utah Junior Olympics, he qualified for a Junior Olympics regional event in Montana that was held last Thursday, yet he opted out to get to work on his football game. He’s an aspiring defensive end there. 

“I am very excited about the upcoming football season,” Blake said. “I plan on focusing on both.”

Shenen couldn’t be more proud of her two boys, especially given the often snow-shortened track seasons here in Park City. She hopes they both continue with her favorite sport, whose health benefits she touched on. 

“It’s just great to watch both boys do so well,” Shenen said. “It’s just healthy. It’s a great sport, and it carries over into other things; being strong and being fast helps you.”

Luckily for Blake, high school football and track seasons are compatible fall and spring seasons. Many football players benefit from the work they put in during the track season. Park City High and its programs typically encourage playing multiple sports, including varsity football coach Josh Montzingo. 

Shenen hopes more Park City natives take up running and track, as well as check out the club. 

“I don’t think there’s a more healthy town to enjoy outdoor events in,” Shenen added. “It’s just a great family event (track competitions), and it keeps the kids off the iPad.”

“Everyone wants their kids outside and running around.”

Rule loved coaching Blake and Garrett and seeing their improvements. She said Blake always arrives at practice and meets with enthusiasm and ready to compete. 

Rule hopes the Dietrich family and all her athletes benefit as much off the track from the sport as they do on it. She’s hoping to grow a love for the sport around town. 

“Him (Blake) and his brother are incredible young boys who are off to do great things, as are all the athletes on the team,” said Rule. “Track is one of those sports that teaches you so many skills beyond running; it helps you grow confidence, learn perseverance, sportsmanship and self discipline. I hope to foster a love of the sport that is truly one of the only lifetime sports out there. No matter where you are in the world, you can tie your sneakers and run.”

Rule hopes the Dietrich’s and her other athletes continue finding success in the sport at the high school level. To her, success indicates an existing love for the sport. 

“Whenever I hear from the high school coaches about an athlete who started at PCRC, it warms my heart,” Rule added. “It means they found some sort of love for the sport or confidence in themselves to continue on. That’s all I can ask for out of Blake and anyone who comes through the program.”

Blake’s freshman football season is slated to begin Aug. 22 against Timpanogos on the road. The freshman only play three games, with their finale being Oct. 14 at Cedar Valley. The Utah track season will likely begin again in early March.