Name: Lydia Farmer
School: Falmouth High School
What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race was the 4x200 last year at the indoor WMC meet. My team consisted of Danielle Casavant, Gina Pardi, me and Emma England. I remember this race because of the amazing leg that Emma ran. I will never forget how she made up so much distance in only 200 meters.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My biggest competition that I had for all four years was Adela Kalilwa. She is always the one who I tried to beat, and I think she pushed me to be the best I can be and for that I thank her.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was definitely breaking both of the jumping records for my school in the same meet. I got a huge personal record in both long jump and triple jump, breaking the school record in both.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If I could go back to the first practice of freshman year I wouldn't waste so much time messing around and I would start working harder sooner. I didn't realize my full potential until the very end of sophomore year, so basically I wasted 2 years where I could have been lifting and training hard. So if I could do it all over again I would start taking the training more seriously from the very first day.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
It was difficult for me to get a consistent mark in the jumps for a very long time. I could never get the timing right and would always be behind the board or foul on every jump. This was difficult for me because I didn't know what I was doing wrong and why I was fouling so much. Once I grew into my body I was able to get my timing consistent and my steps on the board.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss seeing and practicing with the other athletes I've been training with forever. I will miss our post practice weight room sessions and core on the turf as well as our team dinners and bus rides. Even though I will be running track again next year, the memories and people from High School have forever impacted me and will stay with me forever.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
To younger athletes I would say listen to your coaches, they know best. Train hard, eat well and stay healthy. I wish you all would realize your potential early and start working hard to be the best you possibly can as soon as you can. You can go very far if you want to, but nothing will just be handed to you, you have to work for it.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
Coach Nadeau has made me the athlete I am today. There is no way I would even be half as successful without him by my side. He has pushed me and challenged me in order to make me grow as not only a better athlete, but also a better person. I would like to contribute a lot of my success to his amazing coaching and encouragement. Also, every other coach I've ever had has influenced me in an amazing way and pushed me to become the athlete I am today.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending and running for the University of Hartford next year. I will be studying Psychology with hopes to become an Occupational Therapist eventually.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to thank every single person who has ever trained with me, competed against me, coached me, or encouraged me. Without all of you I would not be the person or athlete I am today. Thank you so much.
More Coverage
Do you know a class of 2016 track and field or cross country athlete? We'd like to salute them! Have them answer the following questions plus send 2-3 photos (can not be from another website or publication) to dveilleux@milesplit.us