Running has always been a part of biology/pre-med freshman Olivia Taylor’s life. She started running when she was in sixth grade. She would run with her mom and saw it as valuable bonding time.
Taylor started competing when she was in ninth grade. She was a member of her high school’s cross country team for four years. During her senior year, she was named South Gwinnett High School’s cross country team captain.
“It was great being the leader of all the girls [on] the team. I would lead practices and the stretching, and organized the team’s parties and activities,” Taylor said.
Taylor believes her involvement in cross country was a good experience because of her parents. “They went to all my track and cross country meets and cheered me on,” Taylor said.
When she first joined the team, Taylor found it difficult to get used to her new teammates because she missed her high school teammates.
“I’m from a very large diverse public school. It’s very different. I’m used to my people on the cross country team. I mean, I love these girls; it’s just different,” Taylor said.
Taylor appreciates the closeness among the team members.
“If you suffer enough with a group of girls, running eight miles a day, you’re bound to form these bonds,” Taylor said.
Cross country has allowed Taylor to forge new friendships.
“Being part of a team is the best part for me. It was my favorite part when I was on my high school team, so just being a part of this, having friends we can count on,” Taylor said.
One of the girls Taylor looks up to is Kristen Francis, biology sophomore, because of her optimism.
“She’s the most optimistic girl I have ever met because we have to tread water for 30 minutes in a row, and she never complains,” Taylor said.
The team is also competitive among themselves, and rivalries exist within the team during practice runs.
Taylor said that the toughest part of being on the team is having to wake up at 6 a.m. to go to practice.
Eduardo Gonzalez can be reached at [email protected].