2022 Junior Olympics Bound
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Ryann, and I run with the North Shore Stars. I have qualified for the Junior Olympics in the Pentathlon, 1500m, 800m and long jump and asking for donations to assist me with travel and lodging expenses for the seven days of the Junior Olympics in Greensboro, NC.
MY STORY
I started running track between the age of 5/6 and since AAU does not have a division for that age group, I had to run up against 8-year-old girls. At the time I did not understand and felt a little discouraged when I did not get a medal and end my first year unsure about track.
After a year of running 100m, 200m, and 400m, my coaches decided to switch me to a middle-distance runner during my second year, and I cried because 2 laps seem impossible. They eventually added the 1500m and I cried again. By the end of that season I start to get better, but I still did not make it to the Junior Olympics. I then made it my goal to make to train hard and get to the Junior Olympics in 2019.
Before the 2019 season started, I begin strength and conditioning training with a personal trainer, who help me be able to have the endurance and strength that I need to finish my race strong. He also helped me correct my running form, so that I did not use too much energy. I started the 2019 season strong and started medaling in the 800m and 1500m, this felt great. It felt even better when I qualified to go to the 2019 Junior Olympics in both the 800m and 1500m. When I got the Junior Olympics, the track seemed so big and I was so nervous. Running my races, I was meet with a challenge that I never faced before, and that was being boxed in and running with over 25 girls at once. I wasn’t prepared for this, I did not know how to overcome this and felt so defeated. I lost and not only did I lose, my time was worse. At that moment I wanted to quit, but after talking with my coach I decided to continue running track and I was going to get back to the Junior Olympics in 2020 and correct those mistakes. Unfortunately, that goal was not met. In 2020 the COVID pandemic hit and I did not participate. I unfortunately, did no physical activity and gained weight.
When the 2021 track season came, I was nowhere near in the shape I was in at the end of the 2019 season. It took me awhile to get back in the groove of running and to get back to a healthy size to be able to run my events. In my mind I knew I was not able to do the 1500m, I was barely able to the 800m, which is the event I love. I struggled to entire season, but I still medaled in the 800m at the occasional preseason meets we attended. I was able to qualify for the 2021 Junior Olympics but was still not at my best. Knowing this I completely took myself out mental and again did not perform at the level I know that I could have.
Now, 2022 season I am in the best shape that I have ever been in, I have endurance, and as my Papa says I am gaining a competitive spirit. This year, I have trained harder than ever. Practice four days a week for the past 3 months, and continue to try to keep my mental focus, though it is hard at times, my family and coaches always seem to get me back on track. My story is still being written and in 2022 at the Junior Olympics, I , RYANN WILL BRING HOME A MEDAL.
I appreciate all donations and all who help my story continue. Stay tune for the continuation of MY STORY.
MY STORY
I started running track between the age of 5/6 and since AAU does not have a division for that age group, I had to run up against 8-year-old girls. At the time I did not understand and felt a little discouraged when I did not get a medal and end my first year unsure about track.
After a year of running 100m, 200m, and 400m, my coaches decided to switch me to a middle-distance runner during my second year, and I cried because 2 laps seem impossible. They eventually added the 1500m and I cried again. By the end of that season I start to get better, but I still did not make it to the Junior Olympics. I then made it my goal to make to train hard and get to the Junior Olympics in 2019.
Before the 2019 season started, I begin strength and conditioning training with a personal trainer, who help me be able to have the endurance and strength that I need to finish my race strong. He also helped me correct my running form, so that I did not use too much energy. I started the 2019 season strong and started medaling in the 800m and 1500m, this felt great. It felt even better when I qualified to go to the 2019 Junior Olympics in both the 800m and 1500m. When I got the Junior Olympics, the track seemed so big and I was so nervous. Running my races, I was meet with a challenge that I never faced before, and that was being boxed in and running with over 25 girls at once. I wasn’t prepared for this, I did not know how to overcome this and felt so defeated. I lost and not only did I lose, my time was worse. At that moment I wanted to quit, but after talking with my coach I decided to continue running track and I was going to get back to the Junior Olympics in 2020 and correct those mistakes. Unfortunately, that goal was not met. In 2020 the COVID pandemic hit and I did not participate. I unfortunately, did no physical activity and gained weight.
When the 2021 track season came, I was nowhere near in the shape I was in at the end of the 2019 season. It took me awhile to get back in the groove of running and to get back to a healthy size to be able to run my events. In my mind I knew I was not able to do the 1500m, I was barely able to the 800m, which is the event I love. I struggled to entire season, but I still medaled in the 800m at the occasional preseason meets we attended. I was able to qualify for the 2021 Junior Olympics but was still not at my best. Knowing this I completely took myself out mental and again did not perform at the level I know that I could have.
Now, 2022 season I am in the best shape that I have ever been in, I have endurance, and as my Papa says I am gaining a competitive spirit. This year, I have trained harder than ever. Practice four days a week for the past 3 months, and continue to try to keep my mental focus, though it is hard at times, my family and coaches always seem to get me back on track. My story is still being written and in 2022 at the Junior Olympics, I , RYANN WILL BRING HOME A MEDAL.
I appreciate all donations and all who help my story continue. Stay tune for the continuation of MY STORY.
Organizer
Marquita White
Organizer
Round Rock, TX