Success in any tournament requires all members to put in an immense amount of practice and effort. Despite all the challenges, Arcadia High School (AHS) sophomore Layla Roslan is proud to be a part of AHS Girls Varsity Track and Field team.She has recently achieved top times for the 400 in the San Gabriel Valley.

Roslan’s journey of Track and Field began as a child at the age of seven, where she discovered her passion for competition and setting challenges with her friends. She didn’t initially like Track and Field until she watched professionals compete in the London 2012 Summer Olympics.

“The Olympic runners motivated me to work extremely hard,” Roslan expressed. “I made incredible friends in middle and high school who have shaped who I am today. They assisted me in defining leadership and in showing up to practice every day with great effort, teamwork, sportsmanship, and commitment.”

However, it is without doubt that injuries and obstacles are always a component an athlete will experience. Roslan is not an exception.

“Over my time in high school, I have had to overcome numerous obstacles, including those related to motivation, getting back into the sport after an injury, and managing injuries while competing,” Roslan said. “I felt my track career was over after my injury was diagnosed.”

She claimed how she struggled with making exercise substitutions and lost desire in going back to her prior level of performance. Roslan, though, was encouraged to resume training by her brother’s consistent support and encouragement.

“My brother was the one who inspired me and encouraged me to return. He was my workout partner, making sure I was at ease during the exercise and monitoring my advancement,” Roslan said. “He would do exercises with me during his free time so that I wasn’t the only one exercising. He is the reason I am where I am now.” 

In the end, Roslan acknowledged her gratitude towards the team: “With my team, I have already developed a variety of abilities, including the capacity to perform well under pressure, patience with my long-term goals, confidence, teamwork, and—most importantly— to have fun. I look forward to finishing my athletic career in good health and looking back with pride on my accomplishments.”

Junior Emma Samvelian described that Roslan “has this gift of making her victories seem like they belong to everyone”. And Roslan shares all her talents to people around her.

Throughout Roslan’s time with AHS Track and Field, she has proven that anything is possible with hard work and positive mindsets. The team’s drive to succeed was their  commitment to excellence, and her unwavering determination to overcome any obstacle. Make sure to support AHS Track and Field in any future events! 

Photo Courtesy of Ainsley Najafzadeh