Q: When did you start competitive track and start running?
A: I’ve been running since sixth grade, I first ran for an organization called Highland Groveland Recreation Association (HGRA) and that was kind of competitive. It was in elementary school, so it wasn’t super high stakes.

Q: What events do you run?
A: I run the 400, the 200 and some relays. I prefer the 200 over the 400 although I do better in the 400. The relay I run is the 4×400, with Nico Martin class of 2027, Langston Thompson class of 2027 and last year it was Oliver Thompson class of 2025.

Q: What was the most important competition you’ve competed in?
A: We ran [at] state last year, so that was pretty fun. We got fourth in the 4×400. We were expecting to do a little better but I was still happy with the results.

Q: How do you prepare for meets?
A: We have to put on some spikes, then we have a team warm up. As soon as we arrive we like to get warmed up, then you usually warm up before your event again. Then there is some time to discuss strategy.

Q: Who is your favorite pro runner?
A: I like Usain Bolt, I like the Olympics a lot and he is the greatest runner ever. Watching him in the Olympics was really cool.

Q: What motivates you to get faster?
A: I enjoy running and it motivates me when I see I’ve been making progress. If I see my times improve then I feel more motivated to keep improving the times more.

Q: What’s the hardest part about running track?
A: I’d say the mental aspect. Some of the events I do are pretty difficult and it’s kind of hard to not psych yourself out beforehand. I guess it’s important to think about how you’re going to run, not what you are going to run.

Q: What is a common stereotype held about track runners?
A: That sprinters are lazy. I think we [as sprinters] do hard workouts as well. Not as hard as the distance but still really hard.

Q: What are your goals for this track season?
A: I hope we can make it to state again as a 4×400 team. I think that making it to state in an individual event would be pretty cool as well.

Q: Do you do any other sports?
A: I do basketball and soccer as well. I’d say track takes up the most time out of the three because meets are hours-long. I also spend the most time practicing during the offseason because I like to stay involved.