Winning five national championships and breaking one national record is quite an accomplishment for anyone at any age. But considering that Alexa Harmon-Thomas did just that at the age of only 10, it makes those accomplishments even more remarkable.

In February Alexa competed in the Amateur Athletic Union Northern Indoor Nationals in Merrilville, Ind. There she placed first in the pentathlon and the 55-meter hurdles. She also took home second-place finishes in the high jump and long jump.

Later that month she competed in the AAU Southern Indoor Nationals in Knoxville, Tenn. There she nabbed three first-place finishes, coming out ahead in the pentathlon, high jump and 55-meter hurdles.

Competing in the hurdles for only the second time, Alexa broke the Nationals record with a time of 9.32 seconds.

“I felt very excited and happy,” Alexa said of breaking the record.

While competing in the hurdles was something a little bit new to Alexa, it has quickly become her favorite event.

“I really like it because it’s probably the most fun event,” she said. “It’s really short.”

While Alexa has proven that she is a champion at track and field, and has always been a talented athlete, to help her become even better, she began training at Draft Pick Academy in Parkville, Mo.

Earl MacDonald has coached Alexa for three years and remembers when he first saw her in competition.

“The first time I saw Alexa compete, I saw she was a really talented athlete,” he said.

When MacDonald first began coaching Alexa, he said she showed no signs of fear when jumping over the hurdles, which was something kids at a young age can sometimes have. They worked on technique, making sure to get proper stride on both front and back legs and taking three steps between each hurdle. He also said that Alexa watched closely how the veteran athletes jumped hurdles.

MacDonald said that judging by her previous success and her work ethic, he wouldn’t be shocked to see Alexa competing on even bigger stages in the years to come.

“At her potential and pace I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see her in the Olympics,” he said. “She is determined to be the best she can be.”

Alexa practices three times a week and will begin training for the outdoor season this week. As for her goals for the outdoor season, she hopes to qualify for the outdoor nationals and break the 80-meter hurdles record.

In June her family will be quite busy as they will travel to events in Florida, Tennessee and St. Louis. But in the meantime, Alexa’s mother, Kelly, said don’t be surprised to see Alexa practicing out on the track or picking dandelions in the grass.

“She keeps it balanced,” her mother said. “She’s a pretty amazing little girl.”