Over the past four years, the O’Neill name has become synonymous with the women’s track team.

Twins Laura and Kate O’Neill ’03 have dominated Yale’s distance races since they arrived in New Haven, and this weekend, Kate O’Neill turned in her third record-breaking performance.

Kate O’Neill ran her way into the Yale record books Saturday in the 3,000 meter run at the Indoor Terrier Classic at Boston University. Her time of 9:14.71 was over two seconds faster than the previous record holder, Margaret Wynne ’85.

As a result of her record-breaking performance, Kate O’Neill qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championship in the 3,000 meter run. The March contest will be Kate O’Neill’s second appearance at the national meet. She has already qualified for the meet’s 5,000 meter indoor run this year.

“I feel very excited,” Kate O’Neill said. “I was just hoping to go under 9:20, the qualifying time for NCAAs, so this was a great surprise. I can’t wait to race the distance again.”

Before this weekend, Kate held the Yale record in the 5,000 meter indoor and outdoor races.

“Her accomplishments are truly remarkable,” coach Mark Young said. “Records are nice, but I’d really like to see her win her individual races at the league and NCAA Championships, which will ultimately help the team.”

Last year, Kate O’Neill won the Heptagonal Championship’s 3,000 meter indoor and outdoor races. She also was the outdoor champion in the 5,000 meter race at the meet. This autumn, Kate O’Neill placed second at the NCAA Championship race in women’s cross country.

Though Kate is arguably the most talented distance runner Yale has ever seen, she stays humble and remains focused on the team’s success.

“I am very excited for the rest of the year, but I am most excited for indoor Heptagonals — the league championships,” Kate O’Neill said. “Right now, focusing on that meet will be the most important part of the season. I really think that we can win the league title — something Yale has never done in indoor track.”