Name: Abigail Delain Smith
Personal bests: 5K - 18:50
Hobbies: Swimming, basketball, spending time with friends
Academic interest:history, biology
How did you get involved in the sport and why?
I have always liked to run and I wanted to try something new.
Tell us about your Eye Opener race this past weekend, what did it mean to finish with the number two time (19:12) for the state this year?
I came prepared to run a good race and I'm pleased with my race outcome.
What will it mean to you be at the Coaches Classic meet Saturday and see your coach inducted in the SCTCCCA Hall of Fame?
I am very proud of Coach (Eric) Cummings and I feel very fortunate to have him as my coach.
Do you have any family members involved in the sport? Please explain.
Yes, my dad ran track and cross country in high school.
What roles do you have on the team this year as a top runner?
I help with the younger runners as needed. I strive to be a good role model for all my fellow athletes.
What goals do you have for the rest of the season and this weekend at Coaches Classic?
My main goal is to improve my race week-after-week and also to finish the season as one of the top runners in the state.
Do you have any post season cross country meets planned?
No, not right now.
Do you have a specific race strategy that works best for you?
My main race strategy is to stay focused.
What do you enjoy about the Riverside team and being on the course with them daily?
I always enjoy being with my team because we are like a family. We are also very supportive of one another.
What plans do you have for the future?
After graduating high school, i plan on attending college on a running/academic scholarship.
Are you looking to run at a college?
Yes.
Do you remember your first race?
Yes, it was Eye Opener last year.
How did summer training go?
I tried to train consistently and smart while still having fun.
What do you remember the most from being a runner?
Friendships and championships.
Do you have a pre-race tradition?
I eat bagels for breakfast and stretch and drills before racing.
How do you balance academics, athletics and other responsibilities?
It's tough to balance all the responsibilities and having a support system of family and friends, helps me to stay on track.
What challenges or injuries have you encountered in the sport? How did you stay motivated during this time?
I have had some challenges with my confidence and continue to work on building myself up.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
To travel to new and exciting places to experience new adventures.
Favorite runner(s): Alexi Pappas
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite bands: Zac Brown Band
Favorite quote: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 4:7
Favorite training shoe and racing shoe: training- Saucony Kinvara and Spikes
Inspirational person in your life: My mom, dad, Darby O'Brien
