Interview With Meleah Biermaier
Senior Meleah Biermaier broke the Hamline Elite record on April 29! The old record was set at 43.87, only two years ago. Meleah explains the meet and the events leading up to it:
Q. When did you start track?
A. I started running track in 6th grade through the school, but I have been around track pretty much my whole life. When I was about 8 my dad would bring me with him to practice at UND. I also did the Hershey track meet (which is a track meet for little kids) when I was in elementary school.
Q. What is the Hamline Elite Meet? How are you eligible to compete?
A. The Hamline Elite Meet is regular track meet, but it only involves the fastest runners in Minnesota. You can become eligible by sending in your fastest time in a particular event and the top 9 times that are sent in are eligible to run in the meet.
Q. How did you prepare for the meet? What motivates you?
A. To prepare for this meet, I physically prepared how I would for any meet. I practiced running over hurdles and training like I would normally. Mentally, I had to prepare myself for a lot tougher competition. I knew it would be a close race. The drive I have to win is my motivation. I hate losing so I will do whatever I can in order to avoid that. I am also motivated by my team and my coaches.
Q. What are some challenges that you have had to overcome?
A. My greatest challenge I have had to overcome was coming in 2nd place my 9th and 10th grade year after winning in 8th grade. I was happy with placing at state, but I knew that I could run faster than I did in those two races. I was disappointed but it made me a lot more motivated for the next year.
Another challenge I have had to overcome are injuries. I have been injured many times during the track season and it’s a huge setback not practicing for a few weeks.
Q. What did it feel like to win the 300 meter hurdles with a new record of 43.08?
A. After the race, I didn’t know my time. I had no idea that I broke the record until the announcer said it over the loudspeakers. I was excited that I set a new record but I was also really surprised that I ran a 43.08 this early in the season.
Photo from: http://stmedia.startribune.com/images/ows_143363327680292.jpg
Q. Why should you #joinprowlertrack?
A. Everyone should #joinprowlertrack because it’s awesome. Plus you get a really cool tracket (track jacket)