Here we've got Mmekom Inyang from Richmond Hill for a senior spotlight moment:
What are your high school PR's so far?
60mh - 8.75
100mh - 14.23
Shot Put - 41ft 1.5 inches
Javelin - 96ft 1 inch
Heptathlon - 4407 points
What are your college plans, if you have them figured out?
I will be running at Howard University and most likely majoring in Health Sciences.
What's your most memorable competition or attempt that you're most proud of?
When I went to the Junior Olympics my junior year. Last summer was my first year ever doing AAU track and traveling for competitions. The Junior Olympics was my last chance to improve upon my marks for recruitment. Despite my extreme fatigue and my foot injury at the time, I improved my personal records in 4 out of the 7 events and placed 3rd overall. That accomplishment was a big factor in my recruitment to Howard University.
What has been your biggest challenge in high school or what has been the hardest obstacle to overcome?
Dealing with injuries. I don't like sitting back and watching the world go around when I could be getting better at my craft so I struggle with resting my body and allowing myself to heal.
What is your typical warm up routine and/or weight room routine like?
Between 4-8 ins and outs depending on the workout, then lots stretches, leg swings, and a bunch of drills.
I lift Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and Wednesday is for stretching/recovery.
What do you think is the biggest part of training that has helped you achieve success?
I would say training my mind to push through the pain because track workouts can be exhausting and very painful. Also incorporating wickets with an emphasis on knee lift and proper position. My coaches spent a lot of extra time working on my running form during the off-season.
What is your all time favorite thing to do in training?
I LOVE speed days especially when my teammates and I get to race. I also really enjoy hurdle days when we get in a bunch of reps and focus on technique through the hurdles.
What is your least favorite or hardest thing to do in training?
Being consistent and fighting through the lactic acid is by far the hardest thing for me in track.
Long endurance workouts have a way of testing my love for the sport and I don't enjoy that at all.
Who do you have to thank for your success?
I definitely have to thank God for keeping me safe/healthy and giving me the talents and abilities, my coaches for working with and guiding me through the ups and downs of this sport, and my parents for loving and supporting me through it all.
Who do you look up to the most in your event?
Jasmine Camacho-Quinn and Masai Russel for Hurdles, Michelle Carter for shot put, and Anna Hall for the heptathlon.
What gets you pumped up for a training session or competition?
Getting the chance to improve upon my own personal records in a competition and the buzz I get when it's time to actually race against other people.
What is your favorite food and/or movie and/or TV show and/or song?
My favorite show is probably "Monk" and my favorite song is Tell Him by Lauryn Hill or You Know Wassup by Kehlani.
What will you miss the most about high school?
I'll definitely miss the unpredictability of high school. You never know what people are going to say or the new people you are going to meet in class or in the hallway and that's what made it entertaining for me. Not having many responsibilities or things to worry about and just being able to have fun.
What advice would you give your younger self?
That it all works out in the end so worrying about the future is just a waste of time. Also, to never start stalking the meet entries the night before the race because you'll never break the habit. Just focus on your own lane and running your own race.