Name: Brianna Thomas
School: Hermann High School
Q: What does your training look like right now given the current situation?
A: Workouts consist of drills that help me maintain my form as a sprinter. This style of training
comes in different forms with two days throughout the week dedicated to maximum effort
workouts. The environment is undoubtedly different because these workouts must be performed
either at home or anywhere besides our home-town track.
Q: What are you doing to stay busy other than run right now?
A: Boredom comes easily when track and field is not consuming my extra time after school or
during the day. It has been difficult to find tasks to keep my mind off the idea of possibly never
running track in high school again. I find myself studying course material online, and I have tried
engaging in some outdoor activities.
Q: What was your most memorable race/moment?
A: The most memorable race and moment was my junior year of track and field at the Class 2
State Championship. Prior to my junior year, I had been injured for two years and had struggled
with the idea of postponing my track season. Despite these obstacles, I had advanced in two
individual events to the state meet as well as a 4x200 relay team. This was the most memorable
because my teammates never gave up on me, nor did I on myself. We ended up placing in the top
eight.
Q: What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?
A: At practice one day, after our workout, us girls began to form a kickline and we showed our
coaches our dance "routine" while everyone laughed along and even mocked us. It was an
exceptional atmosphere.
Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
A: My biggest competition was another competitor, but also a close friend of mine, from
Montgomery County High School. She and I have been competing in many sports since fifth
grade, and we share many memories together of track meets. It was always neck and neck when
it came down to racing her.
Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?
A: Although earning a district title my junior season was a sensational accomplishment, placing
as an all-state athlete was the best accomplishment I could have shared with my 4x200 relay
team.
Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high
school?
A: There is nothing I would change, within my control, about my running career. Despite the
unfortunate circumstances in my senior season, there is no control over what cannot be changed
or avoided.
Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
A: I had run track my seventh and eighth-grade years of track while setting three records. During
my freshman and sophomore years of high school, I had torn my ACL a total of three times, with
each time postponing my track season. This was the most difficult obstacle I have faced as an
athlete, but the setback had only made me realize how hard I had to work in order to become the
athlete I once was, or even better.
Q: What will you miss the most?
A: My teammates. Spending nonstop hours at practice, meets, and school has created a bond
between us all that will never be broken. Yes, we are all there to compete and win as athletes, but
the team is what paves the way for champions and their accomplishments.
Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?
A: Do not take anything for granted or make excuses. You are a competitor, an athlete, and a
teammate and you WILL miss this time in your life. No matter the circumstances or obstacles
life may overcrowd you with, I promise you that proving people wrong is more rewarding than
giving up.
Q: What kind of an impact has your coach had on you and your team?
A: My coach has been the most influential coach I have interacted with in my entire track and
field career. He has come to know each athlete as an individual while identifying their strengths
to help them compete. He is very knowledgable about physiology, which helped in treating
injuries and practicing self-care. He has encouraged me in various forms and helped me develop,
not only as an athlete, but an individual as well.
Q: What are your college plans?
A: I plan to attend Maryville University in the fall of 2020 to pursue a doctorate degree in
Physical Therapy and a minor in athletic training. Ultimately, I want to work with high school
and/or collegiate athletes to enhance their athletic abilities and prevent injuries.
Q: Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
A: My family is my number one support system and they have carried me when I could not carry
myself. They paved the way for my success and one day, I hope I can do the same for others. In
addition to my family, during the two years' worth of injuries, I would love to thank my coaches
and my orthopedic staff for never giving up on me, especially when I had to relearn many skill
sets in order to get back to the seasons I loved.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A: The determination, confidence, time, and effort I have put into this sport has taught me
numerous valuable lessons. I will carry these memories, efforts, strengths, weaknesses, and
lessons with me through the rest of my life, especially when I look back and realize how blessed
I was to be a part of such an extraordinary program. Thank you track and field for molding me
into the person I am today and for showing me the true love between an athlete and her coaches,
teammates, and sport.