Accomplishments:
American Record Holder (1000m, indoors), 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials 800m semi-finalist, 2x ASUN Conference Champion (1500m and 800m)
Atlanta Track Club Staff Role:
Coordinator, Data Analytics
What makes Atlanta Track Club Elite Team special?
The supportive environment that is cultivated to help the athletes and coaches execute to the best of their ability, drive and hunger for greatness, and vibrant connection between the team and the community are what makes the Atlanta Track Club Elite Team special.
What was the best race of your career so far?
The best race of my career was the 800m at the UVA Grand Prix in my final season of eligibility. It was a breakthrough race for me where I not only set a personal best by two seconds running 1:46.78, but I also won against an entire field of professionals and elite collegians. This was where my continued belief in my capabilities finally translated into reality, providing confidence that resulted into a life-changing season.
Which song best describes your running career?
“Gotta Live” by Tedashii. In my career, I have had some poorly timed injuries and other various challenges that have held me back from being able to achieve the potential that I believed I could. This song is about not quitting amidst struggle and being resilient, so with these attitudes, along with believing in myself, I was able to take advantage of the opportunities I was blessed with as a result of the COVID pandemic to breakthrough and realize the potential I knew that I had.
Which movie best encapsulate your running career?
The speech that Herb Brooks gives in the movie, “Miracle”, does a great job describing my running career. Throughout my running career, I have had my lows and have been in the underdog position many times, but it has always been my belief in myself that has helped me overcome and find success. Herb’s opening line, “Great moments are born from great opportunity,” is an accurate summation of how my hard work and self-belief created a breakthrough season from the opportunity that COVID presented.
What is your favorite thing to do after a hard workout?
Drink chocolate milk and nap.
What is the best running advice you have to offer?
Be patient. The sport of running is full of highs and lows, but to fully taste the satisfaction of the highs, you have to grind through the lows. Don’t get discouraged and continuously believe in yourself.
What is the best song to listen to before you compete?
“Clouds” by NF. The overall theme of this song is how NF’s work ethic, focus, and ambitious attitude has allowed him to be successful. I listen to this song before every race because it is a great reminder to maintain an ambitious attitude, to dream big, and that if you can outwork the competition, you can be successful.
When did you start running?
I started running way back in first grade. My sister competed in summer meets that I tagged along to, so I decided to start competing myself. I competed in almost every event throughout the years, such as the triple jump, high jump, and every event on the track. I didn’t know what I was best at, but I knew I loved the sport and loved competing. I didn’t box myself into a corner. Instead, I found what I was passionate about through trial and error and then when I found my passion – in my case, distance running – I pursued that passion vigorously.