To some people, track is just about being fast and winning races. Although those are very important factors, they aren’t the only things you need to be a good track athlete. It is also important for athletes to have a strong dynamic, to work seamlessly, and to achieve goals together.  Sophomore Malia Spriggs says, “The Osbourn High School track team’s dynamic is very positive. Everyone always seems to be looking out for one another and helping each other in the best way possible. It’s amazing to be around and create such a strong community and environment.” Having support from teammates helps build confidence and pushes everyone to do their best. 

Support plays a big role in the team’s success. Freshman Audrey Francisco says, “As a team, we support each other by hyping each other up before and during meets, staying positive, and after races, congratulating one another and reminding each other to keep pushing no matter how things go.” Simple acts like wishing each other luck and cheering during races show how close the team is. Sophomore Malia Spriggs says something similar, “The team supports one another by giving each other reassurance that they will do fine. Not only this, but we all wish each other luck before our races and make sure to cheer each other on during our races. It makes me feel a little less nervous.” That kind of encouragement helps everyone perform at their best and keeps the team motivated throughout the season.

This constant support not only strengthens the team’s bond but also motivates athletes to push themselves even harder. Freshman Audrey Francisco says, “What keeps me motivated is wanting to get better and seeing my hard work pay off, along with support from my teammates that keeps me going.” Support from teammates is just as important as believing in yourself. Although while playing sports, it can be a little hard to believe in yourself at times. I asked Maliya Trammell, who is a sophomore, what is a piece of advice to give, and she said, “Don’t talk yourself down. Track is extremely mental, and it’s good to keep a clear head before a race.” Her advice highlights how success in sports depends not only on physical ability but also on having a strong and positive mindset. 

While support from teammates and themselves, athletes also face personal challenges that can test their confidence. Sophomore Precious Sachi says, “Comparing myself to other runners was a problem I had to overcome in track. I soon learned that only your time matters, and even if there’s a slight improvement in your running, that’s still a huge improvement.” This realization shows that track is about personal growth rather than just competition. This also shows how mental health plays a major role in the sport. 

Track may seem simple from the outside, but it takes more than just running to succeed. It takes confidence, motivation, and the ability to overcome self-doubt. At the end of the day, track is about progress. It’s about setting goals, working hard, and staying positive.