How would you rate the season so far?
This season I have had to play a lot of catch up with my training and it didn't start off as well as I would have liked, but as of now I feel like I am executing my races better and better each time I run them.
How did you get involved in the sport?
I have been running track since I was 10 and I started off on a recreational team. That same summer, I ran USATF track and earned the title of an All-American at nationals in the open 400 and 100. That was when I knew I had a God given talent, and I have been running ever since.
SCHSL Championships: Watch it Live on MileSplit SC
What do you hope to achieve this weekend? Please describe/explain.
This weekend my goal is to PR in all of my events which include the 100mh, 400mh, 200m and long jump. I want to focus on attacking the hurdles more in my short hurdle race and just getting out better in my long hurdles. I'm hoping to defend my 400mh state title and win the 100mh.
What is your training like this week?
This week we have just been focusing on specialties such as my long jump approach and being quick over the hurdles. This is a week of fine tuning minor mistakes I still make so I can perform well at state and during this upcoming summer season. We are still working on my long jump mechanics especially my landing.
What part of hurdles do you feel is your strongest and most challenging? Please explain.
The strongest part of my hurdles is using my height as an advantage to essentially walk over the hurdles. I could work on my start and not "floating" over them, which is something I struggle with.
What do you hope to do after the regular season?
After my school season is finished I am going to be preparing for new balance nationals and AAU or USATF track. I also plan to run indoor this winter.
What keeps you motivated?
My goals keep me motivated. Knowing that I have the potential to be great keeps me focused. Also, I have a great support system.
What will you remember about being on the Richland Northeast team this season?
I will remember how my coaches saw the potential in me for this season. This year we had a lot of returners also so our bond we great this season.
Do you play other sports? Please explain.
I cheered from 7th to 10th grade. Cheering is also something that came natural to me and I enjoyed being a captain and leading my team.
How would you rate your qualifier performance?
All in all, Im grateful that I was able to PR and simultaneously qualify for nationals. I did have a mishap on hurdle 1 that slowed me down but I was able to recover and finish strong. Hopefully, I am able to progress as well as I have been doing.
How do you look at having the top 400m hurdler time in the state?
Having the top 400 hurdle performance in the state so far this season is a blessing considering its only my second season doing them. I have been spending a lot of time improving my technique which has made my times drop in both hurdles.
