Name: Ruth Smith
High School: Howard
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment? Why is that?
My most memorable jump was the scorpion invite, senior year where I did not even clear the opening height. I was really disappointed in myself and could not stop thinking about it for a week.
Was there a certain moment or breakthrough race/meet when you realized you would be able to compete at a high level?
I realized I would be able to compete at a high level when I cleared 5'6 at the Adidas national meet in Virginia Beach. I was struggling a lot getting over my hurdle of 5'2 for about 3 months but at the Adidas nationals meet I felt really good going into it and I was really happy with the outcome.
What are some bumps in the road that you've encountered when it comes to training for different events during the season?
I've had many bumps in the road even though it's just the beginning of my high jump career. There have been many practices where I would cry and feel like giving up, but I had to remember that someday I want to be the best and to be the best you go through many struggles.
If you are writing a letter to your younger freshman self, what advice might you give them?
My advice to my freshman self is to remember to have FUN. I often struggle with enjoying moments, like track meet and practices because I get so serious about what I need to do, so just letting go and having fun.
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).
Track
What are your post-high school or college plans? If Running in college, explain why you picked that school.
I will be high jumping at St. John's University in the fall. I picked this school because I knew that I wanted to do track in college, ever since I started high jumping. I just felt like this school was right for me because it's not a big school, which was a big thing for me and they have an amazing track program where I think I could really soar.
What is your favorite pre-race snack, tradition, etc.?
My favorite pre-jump snack is dried mango. I love mango and I'm kind of addicted to it, so before and during the high jump I eat a lot of dried mango.
Who would you like to say "thank you" to?
I would say thank you to my dad first because he has been my number one supporter since day one. In Maryland there are not many jump coaches so my dad took over a coached me for a period of time which I appreciate because he did not have to do that. Second I wanna say thank you to Coach Wade because he introduced me to track, he saw something in me that no one else did and if he had never introduced me to the high jump I would not be where I'm at today.