Morgan McDonald is our 14th Athlete to speak to us about making the 2014 IAAF World Junior Championships Team. Members of the Spark Team will compete in Eugene (USA), from July 22nd to 27th 2014.
How did you get involved in Athletics?
A friend in primary school noticed me at a school cross country meet and asked me to come along and join his training squad with Sean Williams, where I still train today. I was still more of a soccer player at that point though, and continued soccer seriously until I was about 15-16, and then decided that I wanted to give athletics a full-time go.
When you first heard that you made the team, what was your initial reaction?
Obviously I was ecstatic, mostly due to the satisfaction of achieving a goal that I had been aiming towards for quite a while. Definitely was on a high for the next few days.
Are you doing anything differently in preparation for this competition?
I’m trying to keep pretty much everything the same and have the consistent training that has worked me in the past, but I’ve also finally added in gym work to get some much needed strength.
What are you most looking forward to about the trip to Eugene (USA)?
Apart from competing, I’m really looking forward to hanging out and getting to know the team, and experiencing the Vancouver and the US.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in this sport?
I’d have to say Ben St Lawrence, because on top of his inspirational story he is someone that has personally had an enormous impact and part in my running career up to this point, as I train with him (when he’s in Australia). He always has a great attitude about training and racing, that all athletes could gain from.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to become a professional Athlete?
For me, success has come from firstly genuinely enjoying the sport and it’s culture, and then secondly consistency. In my opinion, training with consistency (meaning staying healthy/uninjured) is the most important thing for an athlete.
