Saturday at the Homewood Invitational, Northridge's Harley McNeal was second in the 100m running 12.36 and popped off a 24.90 to win the 200m later in the day. We hear from her about Saturday and her running journey.
Tell me about Saturday and how everything went down. Big PR in the 200m!
I've been working off of an injury for the past couple of weeks, so during practice we've been doing some therapy and making sure I go hard but not too hard to where I injure it further. The Thursday before the meet we got down my block start and the more technical side of the run to help me get out of the curve quickly and turn over my speed. Before the meet, I knew I wanted somewhere in the 24 range but didn't quite know if I could get it due to a little pain in my adductor, the cold temperature, and a strong head wind. The race was a good 130m into a head wind so once I saw my time after crossing the line I knew that with a warmer climate and less wind I could definitely run faster.
What's your favorite event?
The 200m because it gives my speed endurance and top end speed the opportunity to shine and now I'm learning how to run the curve in a way that doesn't burn through my energy so I can finish the race stronger.
What's a goal or goals you're chasing this year? Or even beyond that, into your senior year?
My main goals are to gain as much recognition as possible from colleges while also leading my team to a state championship. As far as times go I look forward to breaking all the sprinting records at Northridge. 11.7 in the 100m, 24.2 in the 200m, and 54.6 in the 400m.
What do you think you bring to the table to help this team redeem itself at State after a second place finish last year?
In Indoor, I only have so many chances to help my team because the only open sprinting events are the 60m and the 400m. In Outdoor I have more opportunities to score because I have 3 sprinting events and a relay. I know that my teammates will pull together and do their part as well. It's a team effort, none of this could happen without my teammates and that will show on the relays.
Back to college talks, are you currently talking to places? If so, can you share where? And what would be one or two dream schools?
I don't really want to disclose the college(s) that has taken interest in me just yet. I can say that I am very open to having as many opportunities as possible but since I was young my dream schools have been Florida, Kentucky, and Arkansas.
What got you into running?
Growing up in a family with three brothers and a dad that played football for Alabama I was constantly surrounded and encouraged to play sports. I started gymnastics, basketball, and softball at a young age, and gymnastics was my favorite for a while until I started track in 6th grade. I never had the thought to run track until one day Coach Donnie Lee was at Tuscaloosa Academy and asked my twin brother what sports I played, then he proceeded to call me over and said, "You would be a great track athlete, I can tell by the way you walk." So after that I took his word on it, I started going to practice and immediately realized that I was kinda good at it. It wasn't until I went to the Varsity AISA State Track and Field championship that I fell in love with the sport, cause I will never forget the feeling of coming across that finish and looking at the clock then realizing that all of the hard work had paid off. I knew at the end of the day that this is the sport I wanted to go to college for.
What do you like to do outside of track and school?
Outside of school I side hobby is baking. My dad has a cheesecake business,so I picked up from him. Instead of cheesecakes I take cake orders for any occasion and sell them.
What's your signature cake?
I wouldn't say I have a signature cake,but my favorite to make is red velvet.
What is your pre race routine?
My pre race routine is to carb load and either take an ice bath or a cold shower the night before. On race day before each of my events I warm up and stretch to Rihanna to get my pumped up for the race. Also, before the gun goes off I recite Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."
What's your favorite Rihanna track?
I usually go for a mix of her oldies.
If you had one day left to live, how are you gonna spend it?
I would spend the day with my family crossing things off my bucket list and doing the activities we love.
What are some of those specifics?
I've always wanted to go skydiving and zip lining and my family loves to watch movies and play cards together
