Photo: Craig Amoss
Name: Lauryn Clarke
School: Damascus HS
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment? Why is that?
That at my last race in HighSchool I finally broke 12 seconds with a 11.9 pr. It's the most memorable because I always thought I could do it but to actually see myself do was a crazy feeling for me.
Was there a certain moment or breakthrough race/meet when you realized you would be able to compete at a high level?
Freshman year when I realized I wasn't the fastest until I beat our fastest senior in the open 2 to win regionals.
What are some bumps in the road that you've encountered when it comes to training for different events during the season?
Training to LJ while also trying to get my transitions better in the 100. It was hard training not to combine my runway like my starts.
If you are writing a letter to your younger freshman self, what advice might you give them?
Don't bail out just because you think you can't do it. Try it before doubting yourself.
If you had to pick: Track and Field or Cross Country, and why? (If you only run Track, then don't worry about explaining why).
I can say track and field because I had to run cross country only my senior year since a girl quit. I became their 5th that qualified them for states. It wasn't fun but I helped the team out.
What are your post-high school or college plans? If Running in college, explain why you picked that school.
I'm going to continue running at Loyola of Maryland. I just this school because it's close to home but the family environment they have there, I didn't really feel anywhere else.
What is your favorite pre-race snack, tradition, etc.?
During freshman year, my upperclassman got me into his routine to always eat one pack of fruit snacks before every meet; and I've done it ever since.
Name the top Maryland Cross Country or Track moment(s) you have witnessed. Could be by the level of greatness or just something that really stood out to you.
2020 indoor, at VA showcase. I watched Athing Mu break the meet record and absolutely destroy her competition. My teammate and I got to talk with her and get a picture and now she's an Olympian. Will never forget it.
Who would you like to say "thank you" to?
To Elrid, Sarge, and Wise. I want to thank them for all their support from the beginning all the way to the end. I couldn't have become the athlete I am today without them.
