State Champion Sound-Off: Kierra Muhammad, Paul Dunbar

 

State Champion Sound-Off

Did you win a state championship this past weekend?  There were a lot of you out there and KYtrackXC.com was able to interview a few but could not get anywhere near them all.  Now this is your chance as KYtrackXC.com is doing a "State Champion Sound-Off."  Take the questions below, answer them, and email them to kytrackxc@gmail.com. 

 

Kierra Muhammad was the Class AAA winner in the Triple Jump busting out a big PR on the right day with a 36-11.50.

 

Personal Bests

100 Meter Dash 13.07

Triple Jump 36-11.5

 

1) What event did you win?

KM: Class AAA Triple Jump

 

2) What kind of strategy did you have going into your event?

KM: I made sure to get a good night's sleep, and I ate pasta Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I knew the top 3 spots would be close so I just went in with a clear mind and having the mind set of striving for a 37-0 ft. jump.

 

3) If this was your first state championship, what kind of emotions and thoughts did you have immediately after winning?  If this was another state championship for you joining others, how does this one compare to the prior one?

KM: I had gone to state every year for triple jump since 9th grade, and each time I was bouncing around first place getting 8th, 2nd, and 3rd. So to finally win it my senior year was the greatest feeling ever. As soon as I found out I had won I dropped to the ground and started crying of joy; I was so happy!

 

4) Did you do anything different when it came to your training this season?

KM: We got a new coach this season, and she just so happened to be my middle school coach who got me into jumping. She had me watching YouTube videos to keep aware of how my form should look, she worked with me on each of my weakest phases (the first and last) and we did three actual jumps at least twice a week. I did some of this past years, but I could really see a difference in my progression this year. 

 

5) Besides winning state, what was another highlight of your season?

KM: Breaking the school record and City Record in Triple Jump!  And getting the chance to hang out with my track crew!!