When and how did you get into track and field?
My parents have always encouraged me to run track. However, it wasn't until 4th grade I joined to play a sport with my older cousin.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Arnaud Sioho has always pushed me to be at my best. Knowing this, I have to always bring my A game when we jump off since there is very little room for error. We both like to start claps and Arnaud's teammates will always clap for me and it makes jumping one of the most entertaining events of the meet. As we entered into the 2024 outdoor state meet we both had seeds that would break the Class A record creating a rivalry few get to experience.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment would be getting 2 medals from New Balance Nationals outdoors getting 4th place in the Rising Stars triple jump and 6th in Rising Stars long jump
How has track and field impacted your life?
It has had such a positive impact on my life. The sport has given me confidence that I'm able to apply in my life every day. It has given me the opportunity to make so many close friends I wouldn't have met otherwise. Most importantly it has given me a winning mindset and a drive to be successful in all of my endeavors.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
At the end of my junior indoor season, I got a unique injury in my hamstring. I couldn't stretch it or massage it all I could do is wait for it to go away. This injury kept me out of practice that spring which slowed me down greatly my junior outdoor season. It also limited how many jumps I took during my regular season often doing just one jump per meet. This injury followed me into the summer and the fall limiting my physical activity. Going into my senior indoor season I was for the most part finally free of it. However with light physical activity during my off season I was at my all time low in my performance. This however made me work harder than I would've if I was successful and by the end of my indoor season I started to pr in my events.
How do you prepare for competitions?
I like to take the day before as a rest day. I will put in headphones and close my eyes remember my best performances and imagine doing it at my next meet.
What influence has your coach had on your high school career?
Coach Goodwin is one of the best coaches any athlete could ask for. I feel that he is very underrated as a coach since Skowhegan doesn't provide him as much to work with as some other large schools. He has taught me everything I know including to be humble and deserves recognition for getting me to where I am today.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of track and field?
I love to swim and nothing beats swimming with friends with some music on a hot day.
What are your college plans?
I plan to attend the University of Maine at Orono allowing me the chance to study Electrical Engineering while running track.
What are your long-term goals?
I hope to become an electrical engineer giving me the financial stability to do more than I've been able to as a child.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to say thank you to my parents for bringing me to many out-of-state meets, alongside my coaches for giving me confidence and teaching me what I know now, and also my teammates for showing up and helping me clap when I jump.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Your talent is not everything. I don't care if you run a 11-second 100 or a 14-second 100 you need to have a winners mindset if you want to see success in this sport. You must be competitive and want it more than your competition. I have too many people tell me that they are bad or scared to compete because they will lose and those are always the people who have the least amount of growth. You have to pour everything you have into it or else someone else will.
