Name: Reina McMillan
School: Parkway North High School
Q: What does your training look like right now given the current situation?
A: I am currently still doing my workouts as much as I can.
Q: What are you doing to stay busy other than run right now?
A: I've been getting all my online school homework finished and trying to find shows/ movies to watch on Netflix. I also been staying in contact with my friends through all this, which makes it easier since we can't be together.
Q: What was your most memorable race/moment?
A: My most memorable race was anchoring the 4x400 relay. We were in last place until 3rd leg and I got to finish with crossing the line in first place. Also, winning the 2019 state championship with my team was a moment I'll never forget.
Q: What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?
A: During the 4x400 relay at state, I was anchor and almost this whole season I've worn my running glasses. As I was about to run I forgot my glasses were on my head and then I put them on after I received the baton because it was really sunny out. After running my dad came to me and showed a video of me putting my glasses on during the race and he started laughing.
Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
A: Over the years my biggest competition had to be myself. Trying to get over mental blocks that I feel would change the outcomes of my races.
Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?
A: My greatest accomplishment was getting a lot of prs my junior year, changing my mindset, and realizing that anything is possible if you want it bad enough.
Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
A: If I could change one thing it would be my mindset. If I knew and believed what I know now in myself when I was just a freshman, I could only imagine what I could've accomplished.
Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
A: I've had to learn to not let losses be downfalls and instead use them as motivation and learn from them.
Q: What will you miss the most?
A: I will miss my teammates and coaches. My teammates had a huge impact during my high school career and I hope for the best for them.
Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?
A: "To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift."- Steve Prefontaine. I live by that quote because you should always give your best effort. You don't want to leave anything you're doing knowing you didn't give it your all. Also, just believing in yourself and being patient will make a difference. Things take time and when the time comes it'll be special.
Q: What kind of an impact has your coach had on you and your team?
A: He is always checking on us and encouraging us through eveything.
Q: What are your college plans?
A: I will be attending Bradley University to further my academic and athletic career. I will be running for the women's track team and will be majoring in graphic design.
Q: Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
A: I want to say thank you to all my high school and club coaches. You've pushed me past my limits and always saw the best in me. I also want to thank my friends and family who have continued to support and lift me up.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A: My senior season didn't go as planned but it's okay because I know my time will come. To all the other athletes continue to work and believe in yourself through all of this.