(Photo: Matt Detrich/The Star)

(Photo: Matt Detrich/The Star)

Hariharan (Hari) Sathyamurthy has some big fans here at Shiel Sexton! “Hurricane Hari,” as he is nicknamed by his friends and coaches, is an incredible runner. He isn’t just fast, he is one of the fastest in the state. Last year, after completing triple victories in the 800, 1,600 and 1,600 relay at sectionals and regionals, he went on to finish second at state in the 800 with a time of 1 minute, 51.58 seconds. This was a record for an Indiana sophomore and just .05 shy of the fastest time by ANY sophomore in the U.S. in 2014. But Hari wasn’t done. He came from behind on the anchor leg of the 1,600 relay, running his 400 in 48.1, bringing Brownsburg a state title.

With track and field sectionals this week starting the road to the June 5 state meet, the Brownsburg High School junior is Indiana’s fastest runner at 800 and 1,600 meters. He may also be the fastest at 400 meters; his fastest 400 times are from relay races.


A little history on Hari and his family—

His parents came to Indiana 20 years ago. His father, Sathya Thulasiraman, is a civil engineer here at Shiel Sexton. His mother continued studies in occupational therapy and his older brother attends Butler University and is passionate about robotics—an interest he and Hari share.

“Hariharan’s” name has Hindu origins. The family’s Hindu faith is extremely important to them. They currently worship at the temple at 3350 N. German Church Road in Indianapolis, which has undergone a $10 million expansion and where Sathya Thulasiraman has been project manager.


Because Hari’s parents were born in India, he would be eligible to represent that country at an Olympics if India’s track federation is approved; however, he could represent the United States as early as July. He might enter the world youth trials. If he makes the U.S. team, he would run in the under-17 World Youth Championships at Cali, Colombia.

One thing is for sure, there is more to come from “Hurricane Hari.” Shiel Sexton is proud to know this family and will be cheering Hariharan on no matter where his quick feet may lead him.

Be sure to see Hari’s feature in the Indy Star:

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/05/20/brownsburg-runner-speediest-state-study-contrasts/27670351/