In Her Own Words: Olivia Ortiz

Hi everyone.I would like to congratulate everyone on a tremendous track season so far! Everyone should be so proud of themselves to see their hard work, dedication, and commitment paying off. It’s truly inspiring to see how Florida is filled with a powerhouse of track and field stars. Since it is still pretty early in the season, only the best is yet to come! 
 
I feel so incredibly blessed to say I am getting back to training and racing again. It has been quite the journey since May, one I never would have imagined to experience my senior year. But I have learned to embrace the process and stay patient by taking each week one week at a time and not to rush the process. I have to admit I have experienced those days questioning why this all happened, but with a great support system and keeping my faith I know there is a greater purpose planned ahead. I remind myself daily to be grateful on how fast my recovery has been and to stay positive as I am now building myself back up.
 
This past week was Lakewood Ranch’s spring break and after talking to my coaches, I have decided to start officially training with my team again. There is nothing like being apart of the team atmosphere again being surrounded by my great teammates and encouraging coaches. I am so grateful for Coach Napier who has been by my side since day one. His encouragement has been tremendous and I would not be where I am today without his support and guidance.
 
After ten months, this past weekend I ran my first race helping my team win the 4x800 relay at the USF/Steinbrenner meet. With only about four days of track workouts, those two laps were definitely not my fastest but by far the best 800 meters I have ever run in my entire life. Words cannot describe the feeling of wearing my Lakewood Ranch uniform again as I ran around the track, instead of cheering from the sideline. It felt like time stopped as I heard my spikes hit on the track for the first time since May 4th. I definitely embraced the moment as my dreams of racing again became a reality. To top it all off, it was really cool competing on the same team with my younger sister, Julia. 
 
I realize it will take some time to get back to where I used to be, but I am determined to work hard and stay patient. I’m taking one week at a time depending on my training to see what races I will compete in during my senior track season. Most of all, I am looking forward to my future as I will be heading off to run for the University of Alabama next fall. Roll Tide!
 
Flrunners has given me the opportunity to continue to help with their amazing coverage this track season. I am tremendously honored for the opportunity to help cover the Florida track season. Best of luck to everyone competing this weekend.
 
One of my favorite quotes: “Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” -Christian D. Larson
 

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