Sprinting towards success: Meet Hamilton native, UCLA track & field athlete Myles Misener-Daley
HAMILTON, Ontario — Although only 22 years old, Myles Misener-Daley already has an enviable list of commendable accomplishments under his belt, including experience with Mount Hamilton Youth Soccer Club and track with the Hamilton Olympic Club, but this young west Hamilton Mountain resident — currently on a full scholarship at UCLA for Track and Field — has even more admirable goals in sight.
Currently preparing to graduate from UCLA and continue to their Masters’ Program in the fall, Myles boasts an impressive history in local sports, including an invitation to run in Mark Graham’s 400m race on May 4, 2017 at the Mark Graham Memorial Track and Field Meet. Mark Graham — also a Hamilton Mountain resident — was an Olympic athlete in Barcelona 1992, and a soldier who died in Afghanistan in 2006. His family established the track meet in his honour and 1,500 student athletes from 40 schools participated at this past year’s event Thursday, May 4th at Mohawk Sports Park.
Myles himself takes great pride in representing himself at each event he participates in.
“My personal goal in track has always been to give my absolute best every time I lace up my shoes,” he says. “I love the feeling of working hard and the fatigue that comes with high-intensity workouts. I try to push myself further and further each training session to better prepare myself for any competition and any competitors I may be against.” Myles’s ultimate dream involves representing Canada in Paris at the 2024 Olympics, and one he uses as motivation to keep pushing his limits while holding himself to a continually high standard.
“I think the biggest challenge in my sport is the capability to mentally always be prepared and focused,” he adds. “There have been several competitions where I’ll get too nervous due to an unfavourable lane draw or fear of losing, ultimately resulting in a poor race.” To help with this challenge, Myles often thinks about family and friends who cheer him on no matter the outcome, while reflecting on the training that has prepared him for any outcome. “The pressure gets lifted and I find my confidence again,” he says.
Myles loves the individuality of track, and that you can improve your own performance without relying on the results of others. “That being said, I also love the friends I’ve made within the sport and the friendly competitions we always have with each other as we constantly push for better results, not only from ourselves but from each other,” he adds. “Being a member of the UCLA track and field team has taught me how important it is to cheer and support your teammates. I find when I’m getting tired, hearing others’ support gives me that extra push to keep going. I try to do the same for all my teammates no matter the event or place they’re in.”
When it comes to advice, the best he’s ever received was from one of his physical therapists who always listened to him rant about feeling “elderly” due to his numerous injuries.
“He told me that when I eventually reach his age, it’s the experiences and memories I’m creating now that will be what I look back on, and I need to just have fun while I still can,” says Myles. “The realization that I won’t be able to do this forever helped make track more enjoyable, because no matter how hard a workout or race is, I’m fortunate I’ve been blessed with a gift that’s opened so many doors and experiences. There’s no reason to worry about the negatives and just have fun with it.”
As Myles reflects, he recalls a past coach who told him that no matter what someone has done in the past, you never know what could happen on the day. “Now that I’m getting older and racing world-class athletes, not only do they make mistakes, but I can’t view them on another level than myself as we’re all human and all capable of winning or losing,” says Myles. “It’s helped me view the best of the best as athletes on the same level as I am, and to keep composure as my training has prepared me.”
Myles’ pregame ritual consists of an extremely hot shower, and a lot of music, he says, adding, “you will never catch me before a race without my AirPods in at full volume!” And while he’s understandable proud of all his accomplishments, Myles acknowledges his downfalls as well.
“A mistake I made while competing was following other athletes’ race plans,” he says. “A lot of guys love to exert their energy in different ways at different points in the race and often I’d say to myself, ‘If they’re moving now, I have to go with them,’ and end up tiring myself out. I had to learn to stay focused on just myself and run my own race.”
Outside of sport, Myles loves to hang out with friends or family. With school and track taking up much of his time, his schedule is usually pretty busy, so any off time means spending time with those close to him, enjoying beach days, trying new foods, or simply sitting on the couch and watching TV.
Moving forward, as Myles continues to strive to reach his goals, he’s keeping his family in mind — always. “Every time I’ve felt too tired to continue or had any fears of results, my family has always kept my chin up. I owe it to them for making it this far, as they’ve always supported me no matter what and no matter where I am,” he says. “Even though I came to the U.S. alone, I’ve felt nothing but love and support from them, and they’re the reason I’m able to do what I do.”
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