(Photo provided by Julia Fixsen)
First of all, how did you first start doing track?
The reason why I started track was because my friends and family wanted me to try it out. I originally was a gymnast. A very dedicated gymnast if I might add. I was in that sport for 5 years and was progressing to level 9 out of the 10 levels in gymnastics. My dream was to go the Olympics and win the gold medal. That dream ended after I got my 3rd severe concussion. It took me a year to recover from that injury and my parents decided that it was time to let gymnastics go. They thought it was best for me to not do a crazy sport that was too dangerous (so naturally then I decided to pole vault!). I was completely devastated. My parents really wanted me to try something new. I was stubborn and couldn't believe what they had done to me. After a long time of thought and consideration, I finally decided to try it. My friends were also nudging me to do it because they said it would be fun and that we would do it together.
What are all your personal records?
Pole Vault: 13'3"
High Jump: 5'7"
300m Hurdles: 47.43
100m Hurdles: 15.96
What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?
The most memorable competition I've ever participated in was probably Brit's Pub Pole Vault. It is an offseason meet that is on the rooftop of Brit's Pub! The setting was amazing. The people were amazing. And best of all, I jumped my current PR of 4.06m (about 13'3")! And after I was done vaulting I got to watch elite pole vaulters jump extremely high heights of 18'! It was just an overall fun day.
Who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?
My most favorite person to compete with is Andy Jacobs. She is just a super wonderful person at heart. She is incredibly talented and always encourages me even though we were neck and neck at the State Meet last year. She's so fun to watch and I always learn something new from her. She's kind of like my big sister in a way.
Your rise in the pole vaulting ranks has been pretty astronomical so far. Why do you think you've been able to adapt to pole vaulting so well so quickly?
I think the main reason why I've been able to adapt to pole vaulting so well was because I was a dedicated gymnast. Going upside down and landing on a mat is not foreign to me.
(Photo provided by Julia Fixsen)
What are your main goals for this upcoming
season?
My main goal for this season is to get a height of 13'9". I want to break the sophomore national record that is currently 13'8". Then if I reach that goal, my ultimate goal would be to get 14'. And for high jump I want to jump 5'9" to beat our school record of 5'8".
What would it mean for you to break the national sophomore record in pole vault?
It would mean so much for me to break the sophomore national record! Just being at the national level is super exciting. Also colleges really like that kind of stuff!
There has never been a female double-champion in the high jump and pole vault in Minnesota history. Do you think you can be the first?
I guess that could be another goal for me for the next 3 seasons I have left. I believe I have a good chance as long as I stay consistent and don't get injured!
Do you plan to keep hurdling for a while too, or are you going to phase that out eventually to focus on the vault and high jump?
I do plan on hurdling throughout my high school career. The 100m and 300m hurdles are definitely not my strong suit and not my favorite events but in the end my coaches say it will help me for pole vaulting and the team.
Do you have any college plans?
I've been thinking about college a lot. My dream college would be to go to the University of Arkansas because they are known for excellent pole vaulting. Also I would like to study horticulture and sustainable farming as well as study abroad in France to minor in French (parlez-vous français?). I'm only a sophomore so nothing is for certain.
(Photo provided by Julia Fixsen)
Do you have any rituals, routines, or
superstitions either on or off the track?
I don't really have any superstitions but I always where the same socks to every meet.
When not vaulting to ungodly heights, or training to do so, what might we find you doing?
If I'm not vaulting I'm training for vaulting by mostly weight lifting and speed workouts. Also studying for my classes at school and hanging with my friends.
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
One bizarre fact about me is that my elbows are double-jointed and overextend!
Do you think that has helped you vault well, or hindered you? I could see that go either way...
My elbows are neither bad nor helpful when I pole vault. It's just fun to see people's reactions when they see it!