State Champion spotlight: Elisabeth Redwood Bonny Eagle HS
Senior Elisabeth Redwood of Bonny Eagle HS had a great senior campaign that saw her break the state all-time best at 400m, and win the Class A State title at 200m. Redwood the favorite to win the 400m finished second but bounced back to win the 200m, and help her team to the runner-up trophy. We caught up with her to ask her about his meet preparation, how she deals with the pressure, and what were her goals for the season.
What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
Leading up to the state meet we did a lot of explosive type workouts during the last couple of weeks. We also lifted three times a week which helped a lot.
How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
It's hard not to ignore the pressure especially at a meet where I knew the points would be close and easily altered. With stress and race anxiety I try to use that to my advantage and focus on my strengths. It also helps having a team that wants you to do your best no matter the outcome.
Heading into the state meet you were the top seed in the 400m, and had broken the state all-time best. You ended up finishing 2nd in the race, how did you regain your composure before stepping to the line in the 200m? What did it mean to come back to win the 200m in commanding fashion?
Losing the 400m was a blow to my confidence but after talking to my coach it really shed a light, even though that was a bad race for me, it was still the second best 400m I've ever run. Going into the 200m I really wanted to come out of the blocks more aggressive, somthing I have struggled with this season. It felt great winning the 200m because I knew my team needed the points.
Coming into the season what were your goals and did you achieve them?
Coming into indoor my goal was to get under 59. I knew once I got that it'd be easier to shave seconds off. I had no idea I'd break the 400 record or qualify for nationals. This season went past my expectations for myself and me me realize I need to start trusting my body and setting higher goals.
How do you think winning an individual state title will effect you heading into the outdoor season?
I'm so excited for outdoor. This season really boosted my confidence. And it's exciting no only going in with an indoor record and 200m state title but having more competition and seeing faster times.
200m Progression
| INDOOR | Graph |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 26.10 |
| 2015 | 27.36 |
| 2014 | 28.38 |
400m Progression
| INDOOR | Graph |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 57.52 |
| 2015 | 1:00.24 |
| 2014 | 1:04.03 |
2015-16 Results
