Track and field

For this assignment I interviewed two track and field athletes, Koa and another athlete, to learn more about what it takes to compete at a high level. I asked them questions about how they trained, how often they practiced, their personal bests, and what their mindset is when they compete.

One of the first questions I asked was what they did to get to the state level. Koa said it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. He explained that you must practice a lot and stay focused on improving every day. It’s not just about being naturally good at the sport, but also about putting in effort and listening to your coaches. He said the athletes that make it to state usually spend a lot of time working on their form and getting stronger.

Also, I asked how many days a week they practice. Both athletes said they usually practice about four to five days a week during the season. At practice they start with warm-ups and drills, and then they work on their specific events like running or throwing. They said practicing often helps them improve their skills and build confidence before meets.

Another question I asked was about their personal best. They said a personal best usually happens when everything comes together, like Koa when he threw the new school record 60.8 feet at indoor state! which he won by 5 feet by the way. They are always trying to beat their previous records, which keeps them motivated to keep improving.

I also asked what their thought process is when they are competing. They said they try to stay calm and focus on their form and technique instead of worrying about the crowd. By focusing on what they practiced, they are able to perform better during the event.

Finally, I asked if there is anyone they look up to. They said they look up to professional athletes and their coaches. Watching great athletes compete can help them learn better form, and coaches help them fix mistakes and get better over time.