Junior Ara Odelowo has been a prominent figure of excellence throughout the school year, maintaining a 4.0+ gpa in the multiple AP classes enrolled and maintaining positions in both the Science Honor Society and the National Honor Society. However, despite acquiring these various academic accolades,  Odelowo has made a significant  impact in this year’s track season. 

“I’ve been doing track since 7th grade and I’ve started doing it outside of school sophomore year,” said Odelowo. 

Over the course of the spring season, Odelowo has continually demonstrated her aptness within the sport, shattering records at numerous varsity competitions in both running and field events. Odelowo,  alongside junior Jessica Martini, holds the record for the 100-meter dash, running a phenomenal wind-legal time of 11.83. 

“We just push each other in practice and outside of practice and in meets,” said Odelowo. “So I’m really glad that she’s here so that we can push each other to continue to break the school’s record in the 100.” 

Accompanied with her 100-meter title,  Odeolwo also holds the record for the girls long jump, jumping a distance of 18 feet 9 inches at the Klein Cain meet. 

“I was just feeling really happy because I’ve been trying to get to that point for so long,” said Odelowo. “I was really happy and grateful to God for that.” 

With her eagerness to improve her athletic talents and excel at the highest level during meets, Odelowo has continually proved to be a shining athlete within the track program. On May 10th, Odelowo received MVP of the year at the annual Track Banquet, and earned a staggering 163 points for her wins alone. However, in spite of her phenomenal varsity season, they were moments where she fought against self-doubt. 

“I’m not perfect at this, but I try to push myself everyday at practice and  know that I have to put in the work everyday in order to get better,” said Odelowo. “At meets I try not to look at other people’s pr’s and or times that they submit because if I start thinking about that and start putting people on a pedestal because they have a faster pr in there than me, then it’s not good for me mentally in any competition.” 

 Odelowo also turns to God to help alleviate those anxieties and further strengthen the mindset that she is more than apt for the sport. 

“I try to just pray about it, and instead of comparing myself to other people around me, I think about how far I’ve come from where I’ve gotten and how much improvement I’ve  made,” said Odelowo.