How Lexington senior McKenna O’Hare Gibson became the state’s all-time record holder in the 400-meter hurdles

Getting cut from the Lexington High School basketball team as a sophomore turned out as a blessing in disguise for McKenna O’Hare Gibson. 

Growing up, his friends marveled at his speed in baseball and flag football, but also on the playground in games of tag. Now a just-graduated senior and standout in track and field, O’Hare Gibson set the Massachusetts state record in the 400-meter hurdles during the MIAA Division 1 Track & Field championships in late May. His 53.19 personal record broke the previous state record of 53.30 set in 2011 and also ranked as the ninth-fastest time by a United States high schooler this year. He also won the 400-meter race and was part of the winning 4×400-meter indoor relay team in 2023. 

Before he heads off to a Division I track and field career at Northeastern University this fall, the 18-year-old O’Hare Gibson caught up with the Lexington Observer for a Q&A. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

When did you start competing in track and field?

What brought me to it was getting cut [from basketball] and getting told to try track. I didn’t run in middle school. I actually did try it in sixth grade, but that first time we didn’t really run. I didn’t do it for all of middle school or freshman year. I started sophomore year. 

How do you approach a race like the 400-meter hurdles?

My first year doing it was last year, and I really didn’t think about it too much. I ran it and had to stutter step between hurdles… it was messy. Me and my hurdles coach worked on the spacing. Some people count their steps. You’re supposed to take 15 steps between each hurdle, but it’s hard for me to count when I’m running. I just feel the rhythm. I do a lot of music, too, so maybe that’s part of it.

So, what is your musical background?

My dad, Reggie Gibson, has a lot of drums and instruments in the house. He’s a musician, poet and teacher. I play the piano and I also write lyrics, which is my main thing I like to do.

Do you have pre-race routines or superstitions?

I don’t think I do. My coaches always get on me for this, but I always have my headphones in and I always need music to block out things and center myself. They always say no headphones on the track while warming up. I should listen to them, but I kind of don’t.

Any high school rivals you liked to compete against?

The runner-up [in the 400 hurdles] Noah Stegmeir (Acton-Boxboro). He’s been doing it longer than I have. His determination is crazy. I always see him training a lot. He got so much joy out of competing against me. He is the best. He was running at states and was coming really close to my records. He could’ve gotten it this year but unfortunately fell on the last hurdle. Big props to him. 

Favorite track you’ve run on or event you’ve competed at?

I really liked Woburn High School’s track. It’s bouncy. Everything’s so compact. I really like the area. 

Why Northeastern? 

This past summer I attended their first annual clinic. I met the coaches and saw their coaching styles were good for me. I never, ever thought I’d be able to go to a school like that, or even run for them at that point, but then I reached out to them. I was talking to a few schools, but really, they gave me the most money. Aside from that, no money involved, I really liked it there. I feel like I can grow in a lot of areas.

What events will you try in college?

Definitely the 400 hurdles will be my main. I really want to do the 200m and need some more shots at the 100. 

What does the rest of the summer look like before you start college? 

On Wednesday, the Lexington team goes to Philadelphia for New Balance Nationals. After that, I have the rest of the month off. My Northeastern coach gave me a training plan, but no more competitions.