scrunners: How was the atmosphere at the meet in Boston?
brookins: It was an honor to run in the USA Indoor AT&T National Championships because I'm not expected to be there. The atmosphere was amazing. As always the race was intense. I was nervous and anxious. I have competed in two previous meets with the professionals and I was even more ready for this one!
scrunners: How were you feeling and thinking going into the meet?
brookins: Before the meet I was relaxed. I felt good, excited and ready to run. I was thinking run fast and qualify for every round. I have been told by my coach to run every race like it is my last. I was thinking compete and have FUN!
scrunners: Running against professionals, what kind of interaction did you have with them?
brookins: The interaction I have with the professionals is great. They all have really embraced me. They are surprised I am still in high school. We are competitors on the track only and off the track we all get along well. Off the track they look after me. Not just the female athletes but the male athletes as well. Especially after my injury, I was shocked that the other athletes were asking about my injury.
scrunners: Who went with you on the trip to Boston?
brookins: My mom went on the Boston trip with me and my dad had a basketball game against Boston College.
scrunners: What else did you do in Boston?
brookins: While I was in Boston I ate delicious food, shopped and attended the party for the athletes. It was fun. Boston has alot of great malls. Shopping was great! I didn't have alot of time but I had enough. At the meets, it's business first but there were two malls connected to my hotel.
scrunners: How long did you stay in Boston?
brookins: I was there from Friday to Monday.
scrunners: What did it take for you to be allowed to run in the meet?
brookins: I was allowed in the meet because I met the qualifing standard, I am a U.S. citizen, a member of USATF, I am at least 14 years old, and I paid my fees to participate. And I wanted to compete.
scrunners: What happened that you did not compete in the finals, after qualifying?
brookins: I did not compete in the finals because I had a freak accident. I dislocated my elbow and fractured my radial head bone. I watched the finals from my hospital bed. I was looking forward to running the finals. My body was ready and I felt so good I think I would have run another personal best.
scrunners: How did your qualifying race unfold?
brookins: My prelim race unfolded with me running a 7.34 and placing second in my heat behind Angela Daigle-Bowen. The top two advanced to the semi finals. The semi's was even better. I was able to relax more after running the 7.34 in the prelims. I get faster running rounds and I was just letting my race fall into place. I ran 7.3 in the semi's. The top three advanced to the finals and I was third behind Marshevet Hooker and Sani Roseby.
scrunners: What races do you have coming up in outdoor and the rest of indoor?
brookins: With my injury I am done with the indoor season. I have some outdoor meets I am thinking about but I haven't decided which ones to run in. I wanted to go to the Nike Indoor Nationals but I have NO REGRETS! I have had a ball. I have run with world class athetes and accomplished alot, and made additional friends in the meantime. I don't expect my career to be injury free. I am strong and I have the support of good people, I will bounce back!
scrunners: Running several indoor meets, this year, do you prefer indoor or outdoor, or no preference?
brookins: I enjoy both seasons, indoor and outdoor. I'm a short sprinter so they both fit me. I feel I was made to run the 60m, yet I was made to run the 100m. During the prospective seasons, I specialize in both. I think indoor is beneficial for outdoor. It prepares you for outdoors and you are already in shape for outdoors. It helps you see where your times are.
scrunners: How has this type of competition been different than high school track and field? Do you feel it is beneficial in preparation for college and future?
brookins: I loved running high school and I have enjoyed running with the professionals too. I would have to say running with the pros the competition level is more challenging and the expectations are higher. Yes I do believe running with this level of competition will assist me for college. I have gotten a chance to see how competition against the elite level feels and how you must be on your "A" game for all the races. People think you just go out and run but there is more to it than that.
