Gabrielle Wilkinson, an eighth grade student at Friends’ Central and Junior Olympic Champion, recently shared a few insights on her athletic accomplishments with the staff of The Phoenix Inquirer. Holding a record for the Girl’s Youth 800m in Track and Field, Gabby answered questions on her running experience and her goals for competing.
Photo by USA Track and Field
Gabby participated in a number of track and field events during December, one of which was the Colgate Women’s Games. She placed first in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:13.8, remaining undefeated in this event, as well as bringing home the 1500-meter. In the Junior Olympics in 2012, Gabby also won a gold medal in the 800m. She placed second in the 1500m and her team won a gold in the 4×8. In 2013, she finished in second place in her main event but her team scored a gold in the 4×8 once again.
“I learned in life you have ups and downs, but you have to keep on pushing and you’ll get there,” says Gabby. Gabby’s inspiration to run is to continue improving her time, to see her ability grow, and to push herself. When asked more about her motivation, Gabby responded that she enjoys “impressing myself and having fun, as well competing against other athletes around the world.”
Gabby participates in the 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 4×4 and 4×8 events, and her best time is 2:10 in the 800m race. Gabby goes to practice four times a week, and usually has track meets on Saturdays and Sundays that can last from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. “For practice, we mostly run track, we do drills–and my coach has planned workouts for us, along with stretches,” Gabby shared. Depending on the season, there are different types of courses to run, and Gabby plays soccer in the fall as well.
Gabby started track when she was 7 years old. Running runs in her family: “My mom, dad and sister all ran track so they’re all very supportive. They’ve been in my shoes before so they understand what I do. They’re always standing by the finish line at my races.” Gabby said of her athletic career: “My goal is to get a scholarship for college, and competing in the in Olympics may be a possibility, but I want to see how I progress in life and see other careers I may want to do besides track.”
If you have been following the Winter Olympics and are amazed by the athletic talent on display, be sure to check out Gabby Wilkinson’s next track meet. You could be cheering on a future Olympian!