Samantha Peace is our 4th Athlete to speak to us about making the 2015 IAAF World Youth Championships Team. Members of the team will compete in Colombia, from July 15th to 19th 2015.
How did you get involved in Athletics?
When I was 6, we saw an ad in the paper for little athletics. We joined up, and on my first night of club I broke the shot put record. At 11 I changed disciplines to discus, with my dad as my biggest training tool, it has all spiraled from there.
When you first heard that you made the team, what was your initial reaction?
Firstly it was a sigh of relief, that the goal I set 6 years ago had finally been achieved. This was followed by extreme excitement, when I called mum I was so excited she had to tell me to slow down so she could hear what I was saying.
Are you doing anything differently in preparation for this competition?
Although trying to keep the preparation for this as similar to nationals and other competitions, there has been added mental preparation for Cali, to make sure that I am ready to adapt and rise above anything on the day.
What are you most looking forward to about the trip to Colombia?
The high level of competition, sharing the field with the worlds best, and the experience that will come from it.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in this sport?
Valerie Adams, above her amazing performances, her personality and mind space in this sport is admirable. I really hope that if I am to replicate anyone in athletics, it would be her.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to become a professional Athlete?
Everyones path is different, sometimes you have to stop comparing yourself to others and do your own thing to achieve the best results.
