Athlete Name: Yajeidy Nataly Gonzalez
School: Bryan Station High School
What was your most memorable meet and why?
The most memorable meet would have to be when my team had a over night trip to Eaton, Ohio and ran a course that I ran in my junior year. I had a time of 22:33 realizing my coach had told us the course was cut 200 meters short. I was so mad but it was all so funny seeing my team mates faces when they were oddly disappointed but we all " false did good".
Where did you face your biggest competition?
Over the three years of running cross country my biggest challenge was battling my asthma.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most and why?
At the same meet for two straight years, we competed at Louisville, KY called the Trinity Invitational. I had twisted my ankle from the roots of a tree around, and I remember I had cried/ sprinted to the finish line. I would say that was my accomplishment because I could have walked or stopped the race in all, but my mind and heart was telling me to keep going and moving on because I was already done just need a little more of a push.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would definitely change running more in the summer. Cross Country runners are made in the summer.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
My asthma would definitely be my biggest obstacle but with the help of my teammate freshman Nadia Tabb who ran races next to me. In regional all though I didn't ran it very well. I'm super blessed that day I beat asthma with the help of my teammate and encouragements.
What will you miss the most?
I'll miss the team bonding because over the past three years I've made a close bond with each and everyone of my team mates on a personal note. I'll never forget.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Don't ever give up. You might not see the process now but at the end trust me it's all worth it. It's all in your mind and your the only person rooting for yourself the whole race. In Cross Country your, you're your own biggest fan.
What are your post-highschool or college plans?
I plan on getting a Elementary Education master degree while attending North Kentucky University.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to thank the 2014, 2015, and 2016 Bryan Station team because they showed what true friend was and how running partner can show a differences on my running performance .