Accomplishments:
2022 World Indoor Championships Qualifier, 2nd at 2022 USATF Indoor Championships 800m, 4th at 2020 USATF Indoor Championships 800m, 3rd at 2019 USATF Indoor Championships 600m, 6th at 2019 USATF Outdoor Championships 800m, 1st at 2019 World Relays Mixed 4x400m Relay
Atlanta Track Club Staff Role:
Coordinator, Marketing and Membership Engagement
What is your favorite event?
The 200m!
What makes Atlanta Track Club Elite Team special?
Their commitment to the development of the running community as a whole from Olympic level athletes to beginners as well as their track record of reaching the goals they set.
What was the best race of your career so far?
The anchor leg of the 4x800m at Penn Relays in 2014. It is not the fastest race I’ve ever run, but it was certainly the best executed. I always give my best effort in races, but don’t always execute at my best on the given day. The races where the fitness is sharp, the execution is right, and you put forth your best effort are the ones where you get to see glimpses of your full potential in this sport and that feeling is absolutely invigorating. It gets to the essence of what competitive running is all about to me - reaching the maximum extent of this God-given gift for running and using it all to glorify Him.
What mental tools do you use while under pressure?
Positive self talk and visualization. It can be easy to think of all the ways a race can go wrong and have doubts when feeling nervous or under pressure. In those times, I try my best to counter every doubt with a reason why I CAN achieve my goals and then I see myself achieving them. If you can dream it, you can believe it, and if you can get yourself to believe it, you can accomplish it.
What is your favorite thing to do after a hard workout?
Take a nap!
Where is your favorite place to run in Atlanta?
The Oval at Piedmont Park. Crushed gravel is the perfect soft surface for a long run and the Oval is large enough that it doesn’t get boring!
When did you start running?
I started running at eight years old. My first sport was soccer, but I initially joined the track team after my best friend who played soccer started running track. I had only joined for the social aspect of hanging out with my friends, but as I got to try out the different events, I truly developed a love for the sport. There truly is a space for everyone in track and field.
What advice do you have for youth runners?
Never compare your progress to that of others. The path to success is not linear and comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on getting a little better everyday and enjoying the process and the results will come.
Do you have any hobbies?
Reading (Keturah and I actually co-host a book club on Instagram @runjumpread), watching sports, hiking, and board games.
What are your fun facts?
After spending five summers at a circus-oriented camp in elementary and into middle school, I learned how to unicycle as well as competently perform on the flying trapeze. I interned at Senator Cory Booker’s office during the summer of 2017 working in matters of public health and environmental issues. My favorite color is Purple Mountain’s Majesty (from the Crayola Crayon 64 pack).