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Salute to Seniors series article of Charlottesville jumper and hurdler Christen Edwards. The North Carolina A&T bound Edwards was a Group AA All-State performer in the triple jump this past winter and Region II runner-up in the event. She qualified to compete in the New Balance Indoor Nationals as a junior and finishes with a high school personal best of 37'0.25" in her specialty from the 2012 Vince Bradford Relays, while also achieving personal best performances of 16'9.25" in the long jump, 9.34 in the 55 meter hurdles, and 16.28 in the 100 meter hurdles.
Interview with Charlottesville jumper and hurdler Christen Edwards
What was your most memorable meet?
My most memorable competition was when I triple jumped in the New Balance Nationals emerging elite division. Being able to make it to nationals was something that made me beyond happy and on top of that I was able to PR and place in the top eight. It was exhilarating to be jumping against some of the best triple jumpers and to have all those people watching me.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
This is going to sound corny and cliché but myself. I was constantly competing with myself to be better than I was at the last meet or to practice harder than I did yesterday. I faced several roadblocks over my years in high school track that were merely mental blocks I had to over come.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was finally getting past 35 ft. in triple jump and then later being able to jump 36 and up. I remember that I kept getting so close to 35 and that I was getting frustrated with my self but when I was finally able to do it I just felt so proud of myself and it showed that my training and hard work had finally payed off.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If I could change anything it would be to somehow prevent all of the injuries I had acquired over the past four years. I would take longer breaks in between seasons, do a better job stretching after practice and before practice, and do a much better job paying attention to my body and stopping when I should stop.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was a hamstring strain to my left leg that I had gotten at the very first meet of the spring season this year. It was my senior year and it was hard watching my teammates work out and bond while I was sitting in the training room icing my leg or doing a separate exercise on the track. I was able to come back for districts but not in full force like I wanted, but I was more than happy to be back and jumping.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss meeting new people at the track meets and bonding with my various teammates. Running track was an experience I wouldn't trade for the world.
What advice would you give younger athletes?
Work hard!! Every day you train will get you closer to your desired PR. Another piece of advice is to listen to your body and stop if you're in pain and go talk to your school's athletic trainer. Figuring out what is causing your pain early could possibly save you from a far more serious injury in the future.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
All three of my coaches have had heavy influences on my performances and overall life goals. Coach Green had some influence on me going to North Carolina A&T in the fall, he told me how good of a school it was and thought that I would love it. Coach Johnson pushed me on the track to run and jump to the best of my ability. He's encouraged me when I felt disappointed in my performance, he would tell me that there is always next time and to learn from my mistakes. Coach Elder has always been there giving me little bits of helpful advice to help improve my hurdle form and advice to make me a better leader and athlete.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending North Carolina A&T in the fall where I will do a double major in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in English (but that might change).
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to thank my father and mother for supporting my track dreams and endeavors. A special shoutout to my Dad for coming all the way to New York with me for Nationals.
To Joella Matheny, the trainer at CHS, for putting up with me for four years. Thank you for taking care of my several injuries, being a good listener, and for having the patience of a saint. You're the best.
To Karen Nelson, one of my teachers at CHS, I will miss you! Thank you for supporting me in track and for encouraging me to work past my injuries.
To all Three of my Coaches, I will miss you all so much, you have no idea how much fun I had running track and the impact that it has had on me.
To my past teammates who graduated, thank you. Some of you are the reason I continued doing track and loved it.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Running track with CHS was a very rewarding experience that I wouldn't change. It helped develop me from a super shy and timid freshman to a more outspoken, better athlete and student. I have high hopes for the team and my teammates. You all are fabulous and I hope the best for every single one of you.