Track and field is often seen as a sport built on speed, strength and competition.
From sprinting down the track to soaring over the long jump pit, athletes constantly push themselves to improve. But behind the medals, personal records, and meets, many athletes deal with pressure, exhaustion, and the challenge of balancing sports with school. Several track athletes shared how the sport affects them mentally and emotionally throughout the season.
Many athletes said their coaches have changed the way they think about competing. Sophomore jumper Payton Thorpe explained that her coach helped her gain confidence.
“He made me believe in myself and made me think I can do it,” Thorpe said. “He brought positive thoughts always.” Sophomore runner Alonah Franklin shared a similar experience, saying her coach taught her to focus on consistency and technique instead of just speed.
Athletes also described different coaching styles. Thorpe feels her coach focuses more on winning, while Franklin believes improvement matters most to her coach. Junior Kentayvion Devers agreed that improvement and effort are more important than winning.
“I could PR but still not win,” Devers said.
Pressure during meets is another challenge many athletes face. Franklin said she feels pressure from herself because she does not want to disappoint her coach, family, teammates, or herself. Thorpe also experiences pressure from coaches, competitors, and her own expectations.
“I need to make state or make finals or a new mark,” Thorpe said.
However, not every athlete reacts the same way. Junior Donald Phillips said he stays relaxed during meets because, “being too serious causes overthinking.”
The mental exhaustion that comes with track was another common theme among athletes. Long practices, difficult workouts, and balancing school responsibilities can become overwhelming. Franklin said stress increases near the end of the season when practices, meets, and schoolwork all pile up at once. Thorpe added that doing multiple extracurricular activities alongside track can make it difficult to keep up mentally and physically.
Athletes admitted that performances can affect their confidence and emotions. Thorpe said poor results sometimes leave her disappointed for the rest of the day. Franklin also said her times can affect how she feels, especially if she does not set a personal record, although she tries not to let one race define her. On the other hand, Devers explained that his confidence does not depend on results because he already knows his potential.
Despite the pressure and exhaustion, athletes emphasized the importance of teammates and coaches in creating a positive atmosphere.
“There’s no bad vibes ever,” Thorpe said.
Above all, athletes want others to understand how difficult it can be to balance school and sports. Homework, practices, meets, and social life can quickly become overwhelming.
“It takes a lot of discipline,” Franklin said.
