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Q&A with Nyack High School’s Track & Field Athlete Ariana “Weezus” Marsland



Ariana Marsland while only in the 7th grade competed at the High School level. Everyone she competed with was several years older than her but she stood her ground and made an impact to her team while earning a spot as lead off leg on the varsity 4x100 relay. By being the youngest on the team Ariana had to work harder and be more confident while on the track. She is already running a solid 100m in a consistent 13.2s and knows that she will only get faster over time.

Q: How old are you and what school do you attend?
A: I am 12 years old about to be 13 in October and I attend Nyack Middle School but run for Nyack High School varsity team.

Q: How did you get the nickname “Weezus”?
A: Well I have asthma and after a long day of training I wheeze a little before I take my pump. So my teammates started calling me Weezus.

Q: When did you first start running track and field?
A: I started running track when I was about 5 or 6 years old. My parents would take my brother and I to compete at track meets in the New York area. My parents helped start up a track club which I was a member of and this gave me the foundation to run, teaching me the correct running techniques, form and to compete against some top runners. So when I signed up for the High School team I had the base already and the coaching staff took me under their wing and gave me tough workouts to make me a stronger athlete. Though I still have another year left before I even enter High School I will only get better and learn from my peers.
 Q: How does it feel to be competing at the High School level?
A: It feels awesome to be competing on a high school level but also challenging at times. All my teammates who are also my best friends are much older than me but they really look out for me and they build my confidence. The key is finding ways to keep it fun because that's what helped me stay relaxed.

Q: What’s your favorite event?
A: My favorite event is the 200m because I enjoy running the turn and excelling on the straightaway.

Q: How do you balance school and track while keeping a 96 grade point average?    
A: When ever I have the time to study for tests I study. Like if I'm going to a track meet I will do some work on the bus or at a track meet if I have time between races I would put my headphones in and do my homework. I also try to get my work done as early as possible so I won't be staying up all night.

Q: What’s your favorite track and field athlete and why?
A: My favorite track athlete is Lolo Jones, because she is just awesome and is a great athlete. She pushes and excels through on what ever she does.

Q: Who inspires you?
A: The following athletes inspire me: Allyson Felix, Sanya Richards, Lolo Jones, English Gardener, Trayvon Bromell, and Kaylin Whitney. These athletes have goals and they train very hard.

Q: What do you do when you can relax at home?  
I watch TV or do some type of arts and craft. I also like to create music putting together beats and cool instruments to put together a great sound.

Q: What do you want to do when you get older?
A: When I get older I want to be a Sports Doctor and go into sports medicine. I have even thought about being a psychologist or an OB GYN.

Q: Do you play any other sports?
A: I play soccer and street basketball with my family and friends.

Q: Do you listen to music before a race if so what’s on your playlist?
A: Yes before every race I try to get into my zone by listening to music. I listen to a variety of genres like rap, pop, blues, soul, classical, rock, reggae, and funk.

Q: What are your goals for next season?
A: My goals for next season are to drop all my times, work on my stride and get stronger. Like my parents always tell me, “Hard work Pays Off”.
 

1 comments :

Beautifully Made said...

This is excellent, keep working hard! And yes hard work does pay off. Good luck on your upcoming year!

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