“Ohhhh…that’s cool, so like, what’s your mile time?”
If you asked me that five years ago, I would have laughed at you—and, well, even now, I’d probably still laugh at you. After all, I don’t run miles; I sprint.
By definition, a sprinter is “an athlete who races over short distances.” But to me, sprinting entails so much more than just its physicality—it’s a mindset. Drive, discipline, confidence. Three words I would have never associated myself with, or at least, not before I joined the track team.
I can distinctly recall when my freshman year rolled around, and the nerves from the new environment kicked in—a typical symptom of being a “freshie.” I had an unwavering desire to get involved in everything, checking off every box on the high school extra-curricular list. Clubs? Check. The student newspaper? Check. Sports? Not quite. I couldn’t jump as high as basketball or volleyball players, nor was my coordination on par with that of soccer or tennis players. My options were scarce. I scanned the list of our athletic teams, and then—voilà—track and field. I mean, everyone can run, right? It couldn’t be that hard. So, I took an unforgettable leap and signed up.
“First call 100-meter dash!”
These array of words are forever engraved in my soul. My initial thoughts regarding track were far from true—track isn’t easy, but I knew deep down, I needed to be challenged. I needed to be uncomfortable. I needed to be disciplined. Each time I stepped on the track, growth manifested, and it manifested quickly.
Such growth could not have been acquired if not for my teammates, who have consistently supported and encouraged my journey—both as an athlete and as a person. The memories we’ve made both on and off the track will be ones I’ll remember forever. Even though we compete with each other everyday, it has only strengthened the bond that we share. Thank you Brianna, Sarah, Vivien, Edith, and all of the others who I cannot list, but deeply cherish.
Now that I’m a senior with my final season around the corner, I can confidently say that track and field has played a significant role in not only shaping my high school career, but my life as well. The sport paved the way for new opportunities, blessed me with friends who are amazeballs, and undoubtedly, changed my life forever. Even during those wearying, vomit-inducing workouts, I don’t regret a single thing. I truly believe track and field found me for a reason, and for that, I am forever grateful.