(Photos by Teresa McIntyre Photography)
Tiara Robinson has been tearing up the AAU circuit for several years. Now a freshman at Ft. Pierce Central she hopes to continue that success on the high school level. Her goals for 2012 are to reach the podium in both the 200 and 400.
How did you get started in track and field?
I got into track when I was around eight or nine years old. I didn't really think I was that good until about three or four years ago. I ran unattached at first then went on a team called PAL. I won a lot of my medals when I was on the PSL Speedsters.
You told me that Port St. Lucie wasn't really a huge track and field community. Was it harder knowing you had to go out and run for a club team as oppose to some kids that were running for a middle school team or did it help with competition?
It helped because there aren't a lot of girls my age in Port St. Lucie that can run as fast. We traveled a lot outside of the area. My dad would have me going to a track meet every Saturday. I went to the Junior Olympics three times; Iowa, Virginia, and New Orleans. I didn't really run against older girls mostly girls my age.
What is it like having your dad as your coach?
Since he's my dad I would think he would be soft on me, but he pushes me harder than the rest of the people on the team. When we get home he tries to show me videos of how to work on my form, drills, etc. Training with a new coach in high school is really weird. I have to learn to open up more and communicate with teammates. I'm used to my dad pushing me and taking me to practice so now that I'm in high school I'm not used to being taught by someone else. I guess it's a little out of my comfort zone.
This year you will be a freshman at Fort Pierce Central. Sprinting is your forte. Do you have a favorite event?
My favorite event is the 200, but my dad says the 400 is my best event. I like the 200 because everyone can see you lined up across the track. When the gun goes off the rush coming out of the curve is like no other race. It reminds me of a horserace. I'll also be running the 100, but I'm not as fast in the 100 as I am the other two. My speed doesn't build up as quick as it should in the 100. I'm looking forward to my very first high school meet.
You've had success on the AAU circuit, you were a two-time runner up at the Middle School State Championships. What is it going to take to be competitive on the high school level?
It's going to take twice the effort. Right now I'm doing a lot of speed work and event build-up runs like 100 meter flies, 150 meter build-ups and 300 meter event runs. My goal is to make the finals in the 200 and 400. I'm looking forward to competing against some of the best talent the state of Florida has to offer.
Personal Bests
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100 Meter Dash12.46 -
200 Meter Dash25.84
400 Meter Dash
56.05
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