State Champion Spotlight: Katherine O'Brien (Orono HS)
What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
The last week leading up to state meet I felt more focused and determined than I had all year, as I hadn't done as well as I hoped to at PVC's. I tried to use every practice as best I could to focus on form and getting my approach to be more consistent, as that's something that challenges me.
What was one thing that you focused on this winter that made a difference in your performance?
Something that I focused on this winter that made a big difference in my performance was working on carrying momentum upwards in the air and not setting my feet down early, as that takes a lot of length off of my jumps.
You had your best jump of the season at the state meet to win the title, what went right on meet day?
And what did it mean to win the title this year after coming up short a year ago?
As I said, my approach has always been an issue for me. But at state meet, my coaches worked with me to get my mark just right so I didn't have to worry about it. I think this set me up to do well. It meant a lot to me to win after coming up short last year, as this was my final indoor state meet. It was a really good way to close out my indoor career and left me feeling very hopeful for outdoor.
Coming into the season what were your goals and did you achieve them?
This season I was trying to get down my 55 time and break 18 feet in the long jump. While I was able to pr in the 55 and I'm very happy with that, I wasn't able to meet my goal in long jump. But I think that if I keep training and jumping well into outdoor, it's within reach.
What have your coaches meant to your success?
My coaches have meant everything to my success. They have brought me a long way where it comes to technique and mechanics. But the way they've helped me most is through their unending support and optimist. Whenever I've felt that I'm not jumping well or want to give up, they have always believed in me and given me the encouragement I needed start believing in myself.
O'Brien's Long Jump Progression
| INDOOR | Graph |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 17-4.25 |
| 2017 | 17-7.75 |
| 2016 | 16-5.25 |
| 2015 | 16-0.75 |