Q&A with Ardrey Kell runner Raghav Gopalakrishnan
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Q&A with Raghav Gopalakrishnan who is a senior at Ardrey Kell High School and has been a member of the cross country and track team for four years.
What are your personal goals within your sport/athletic dreams?
Raghav Gopalakrishnan: To become one of the fastest distance runners in NC History, become a state champion and all-American. In college, I would like to make a national championship and be a part of a conference winning squad that qualifies for NCAA nationals.
What is your biggest challenge in your sport, and what do you do to overcome it?
Gopalakrishnan: Staying consistent and motivated in the face of obstacles. It’s difficult to put in the work on days where the weather is terrible, you’re exhausted, must train alone, or are injured. I stay focused on the big picture by remembering the feeling of past successes and envisioning the future ones.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Gopalakrishnan: Race to win. Don’t stress about time or your competition. It’s good to know who you’re up against but don’t let it get to your head. Trust your training and when the time comes to execute, do your job and results will follow.
What do you love about your sport?
Gopalakrishnan: The success you get from finishing a race with a big win or success is unparalleled. I love fun experiences (travel meets or hanging out) and runs with my teammates. I have an incredibly supportive running community!
Do you have a pregame ritual?
Gopalakrishnan: I stay off my feet and use a normatec boot the day before a race and take an Epsom salt bath the night before. The day of, I time my meals to feel good during my race and drink lots of electrolytes. On the line before I race, I’ll do exactly one tuck jump.
What do you like to do outside of your sport?
Gopalakrishnan: I really enjoy hanging out with my friends, playing just about any sport, especially spike ball, rock climbing, watching TV/movies, and traveling!
What has being a member of a team taught you?
Gopalakrishnan: Most people think that running is a very individualized sport. I’ve learned that inclusion goes a long way. By setting an example and bringing your teammates together to motivate them, you and your team can become more motivated, successful, and happy.
Describe a mistake you made while competing and how you overcame it.
Gopalakrishnan: During my sophomore year, I was wearing improper shoes and developed periodic injuries. I continued competing without solving the root cause. This led to me being out for 6 months, injured, with ankle tendonitis, which was very painful and a demoralizing time in my athletic experiences. With the support of my friends and teammates, and through hard work and determination, I eventually found success, at the end of the track season, after coming back from that injury.
Fast Facts:
- Committed to run at the University of Pennsylvania and study at the Wharton School
- Qualified as 1 of 40 boys to the Footlocker national championships in San Diego
- Love running in new places like Rome, Paris, London, Maui, Colorado Rockies
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