Kelsey Briggs talks about her season and goals for this weekend.
Name: Kelsey Briggs
Personal bests: 19-6.5
Academic interest: Business Finance major in college
Hobbies: singing, church
Interesting fact: I love eating ice, even though its super bad for your teeth
How did you get involved in the sport and why?
I started in the eighth grade at Dutch Fork High School. I first started it just to have something to do, and I turned out liking it in the end.
How have you seen it change?
I've seen that my attitude towards the sport has changed since then. I've become a lot more competitive. The sport itself has become so much more intense since I first started.
How do you feel you have grown in the sport?
I feel like I've become so much more confident in myself. I've turned into a true competitor in every event that I do.
What has been your motivation for this season?
My motivation this season has been myself. I've been wanting to out-do myself so much this season. I know what I'm capable of and last year this time I did not deliver like I should have. I just want to get back to that State Champion that I was back in 10th grade.
What goes throughout your mind as the gun is getting ready to go as you are waiting in the blocks or starting line?
Nerves. Butterflies go through my stomach! I'm excited, but I remind myself that I'm here for a reason and then I got out and get it!
Do you have a pre race tradition? Please explain.
It's not exactly a pre-race tradition, but music and prayer are two things that I do. All day I'll have my music with me up until its time for me to warm up for the race. And right before I start my race or my jumps, I pray. I pray for strength and then I let those nerves go and handle business!
How would you rate your season so far?
I would say on a scale of 1-10, I'm right at 9. 9.999999! I'm right at my peak. State championship this Friday is when I hit my mark!
Do you have any family members involved in the sport? Please explain.
I have an uncle who used to long jump and actually held the record at the University of South Carolina for about 10 years: Titus Briggs.
What challenges have you encountered in the sport?
I've been injured for quite some time now. Not a major injury. It's been manageable! But, it's made the seasons super emotional for me.
Have you ever been injured? Please explain.
Yes, a slight calf injury but it hasn't prevented me from performing my best!
What do you hope to achieve in the sport and in life in the future?
I hope to go as far as the good Lord will allow me to! I hope to see improvement in my performance as I continue in all that I do. I also hope to take what this sport has taught me and apply it to my life from here on out. By that I mean, my character, my people skills, being able to learn, be taught and to teach, be a leader.
Do you have post season track plans?
Yes, I plan on continuing to work out over the summer.
What is your favorite workout and why?
My favorite would have to be the short sprints! I say this because its quick and powerful and usually a good workout day!
What goals have you set for the rest of the season?
I plan on surpassing any of the marks that I've done so far this year! I also plan on running better times than I've run my whole career! I'm really pushing for improvement, that's a big thing for me this year!
Looking at the 2014 state meet, what do you remember and how did that make you prepare for the 2015 state meet?
I remember coming in second place to a person who I'd already beat the year before. I remember feeling like I had failed myself. And I remember what I promised myself: that this time next year, that'll be me in first place, taking back what I deserve. Not winning last year makes me want to go so much harder this year. That's been my motivation all year. Now that we're here again, I can feel that state title. It's right there in front of me! I just have to reach out and grab it. It already belongs to me.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what it would it be and why?
I'd win the lottery. And place money in the hands of my mother and my grandmother. I'd make sure that for the rest of their lives, they wouldn't have to want for a single thing.
Fun questions
Pre-race pump-up song: Any Future Hendricks song!
Post-race meal: EVERYTHING!
Go-to karaoke song: Not sure :/
Favorite book: Lord of the Flies
Last movie you watched: Macbeth
Favorite race or event to watch: Long jump and 4x1
If you could go on a run with any athlete, who would it be?:
ALLYSON FELIX!!!!