Oak Ridge senior Sharrika Barnett recaps her running career before heading off to the University of Florida. Barnett is the 2015 4A state champion in the 400 meters and currently holds the number two time in the country of 52.67s.
What was your most memorable race/moment?
My most memorable race by far had to be the 400m at Bob Hayes junior year. Coming in as the underdog and winning was just a humble and overwhelming feeling. I never had that feeling again winning a 400m.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My biggest competition was myself, overcoming self doubt, laziness, injuries, and practicing almost everyday. I had to grow up and realize all that negativity was not going to take me anywhere.
What was your greatest,accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was making my parents proud. They play a huge part in my life and just seeing them at a meet cheering me on with smiles on their faces, there's nothing else I could ask for.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
Nothing. Every injury, every loss, and every win molded me to be the strong and competitive athlete I am today and for that I'm thankful.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Moving from Jamaica to here was by far the biggest obstacle. Everything was so different, but finding good friends that helped me to adjust really was what I needed. Practicing almost everyday was another one. I truly dislike everything about it especially on Saturdays. It's the worst feeling in the world, but I hated losing more than I hated practice so that kind of pushed me in my workouts.
What will you miss the most?
My teammates (track fam). We have become so close over the past years on and off the track. Not seeing them everyday is definitely going to be hard to adjust to, but every good thing must come to an end. I wish them all the best in the future.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Be patient and have faith in God and your training. Running good times on the track doesn't just happen like that. They all require time and patience. It took me four years to reach my goal.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach plays a huge part in my success. I don't thank her enough. It's bigger than track with us. She'll go out of her way to make sure I'm good or I'm at practice on time. I am truly going to miss her. She has really been a blessing in my life.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending summer school at UF on June 23rd. I'm looking forward to being in a new environment.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
Thank you to everybody that supported me, gave me words of encouragement, coaches, teammates, parents, teachers, etc.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Don't let anybody hinder you from achieving your goals in life, success is between you and yourself. It just all comes down to how bad you want it.
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