Get to know Horace Mann MS track & field and cross country runner Elliana Graham
WAUSAU, Wis. — Elliana Graham, 13, enjoys running track and cross country as an eighth grader at Horace Mann Middle School.
“Like everyone, I have goals within my sport, whether it is beating my current personal record, catching and beating the person in front of me, or even just staying positive throughout the season.” said Elliana. “I really don’t have big goals, but I like to think that if I can achieve these goals, I can and will keep becoming more successful in my sport and throughout my life.”
Like every sport, there are challenges that occasionally bring Elliana down. She understands that it is important to learn how to overcome or manage these challenges.
“A challenge that I often struggle with is being too hard on myself when I don’t do as well as I want to.” said Elliana. “I often face the fear that if I don’t do as well as I want, I may disappoint my team or, especially, myself.”
Elliana’s father reminds her that everyone has different levels of strengths. He points out that sometimes things come easy to some people and much harder to others. This means some have to work harder.
“I sometimes feel like I am not good enough for my sport and like I shouldn’t be involved in it, but I really just have to keep working and trying hard.” said Elliana.
Elliana loves running cross country, finding a lot of joy in being with her teammates and working hard.
“I don’t ever really do anything special before the races,” said Elliana. “I usually just do whatever my team is doing which is previewing the course that we will be running, doing warm ups and just mentally preparing.”
“I am so thankful for the team that I have, and could not ask for better teammates and coaches.” said Elliana.
Some things that she likes to do outside of running include riding her bike, reading and spending lots of time taking walks and hiking with my family.
Elliana also loves spending time with her friends.
“I really enjoy being a part of a team for my sport. It has definitely taught me some important things like patience, kindness, always including everyone and more.” said Elliana. “I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of an amazing team.”
Elliana also loves her coaches. They put so much time and effort into my team and I. It takes a lot of work to keep track of all of us, and a lot of time to lead practices, and to come to all of our meets. I also love how much they support us. They give us a lot of good advice, for example one of my coaches told us that we shouldn’t worry about how you did the race before, just worry about the present, and how you are doing right at the moment. I definitely have trouble with that sometimes.
Like everyone, Elliana sometimes makes mistakes. She gets frustrated when she starts off too slow in a race and have trouble speeding up. This is something any racer can understand.
“I have improved at this and have been starting off faster, but for a while it was really frustrating because I never finished where I wanted to.” said Elliana.
“I love my sport very much and am so thankful for all that it has taught me.” said Elliana. “I am excited to continue growing in my sport and keep getting faster and closer to the different people that I have the privilege to meet.”
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