Interview With Abdihafid Sahal


(Photo provided by Grant Fuller)

First of all, how did you first start doing track?

I first started doing track because my older brother was on the varsity track team as a sophomore and I wanted to be like him, so I started running in my 8th grade year.

What are all your personal records?

100: 11.7, 110m hurdles: 14.92, 300m hurdles: 38.45, 400m split:50.1

 Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?

I was also the starting corner and punt returner for the varsity football team, was on varsity for 3 years.

 What is your favorite or most memorable race you have ever run?

The Hamline Elite Meet where I won first place for the 300m hurdles and broke the school record for the first time. I ended up beating it three more times. 

 Did your brother make you interested in the hurdles too?

Yes, my brother is the one who got me interested in hurdles

 Last year you and Grant Fuller became the first guys since 1987 to finish in the top-five as teammates at State in one of the hurdle events. What is it like to have a teammate as good as Grant to train with?

Having a teammate as good as Grant helps me become the best I can be because of the competition and teamwork we have during practice. I honestly couldn't have a better teammate because Grant pushes me and also wants me to succeed, and I want him to succeed which makes our relationship better.

 Is there a rivalry over whether you or Grant will finish with the 300 hurdle school record?

Well I'm not gonna say it's a rivalry, but who wouldn't want to leave high school with a school record? But I think it just drive us to be the best that we can be because if one of us slips up, well, there is a school record on the line!

 You are not as tall as most would expect for one as quick in the 110m hurdles as you are. Has your height ever been a challenge in that event?

My height puts me in a disadvantage with the 110 but I have learned that I can't change my height so I try not to focus on that and just work with the advantages that I have do the best of my abilities, such as being so close to the ground.

 

(Twitter @dannypanken)

What are your main goals for this upcoming season?

Win a State Championship.

 As an individual, a relay, or team? Or perhaps all three?

I would love to win a State Championship as a team because it shows that the effort the whole team has been displaying really paid off, and being a captain, a Team Championship would be amazing, but I'm also gonna try and get an individual and relay State Championship as well.

 Do you have any college plans?

I plan on running track and field for a division 1 college.

 I assume then you are still deciding between colleges? Which ones are you most interested in?

University of North Dakota and Iowa State University.

 Do you have any rituals or superstitions either on or off the track?

Before every meet I would get a good luck text from a special someone, which really drives me to do my best because I want them to brag and be proud of me after.

 When not clearing barriers or handing off batons, what might we find you doing?

Playing hoops with the guys and just having a good time with the fam.

 Tell me one bizzare fact about yourself.

I'm 18 years old and still don't have a permit.