WD: What is one of the most
challenging thing you face when it
comes to sprinting?
SP: Where do I start? haha. Seriously
though, track and field is like any
other sport... its a love/hate
relationship. The training is grueling,
and it can be tough to push through
challenges, and very frustrating
when your hard work isn't
translating to your races. But on the
flip slide, there are also so many
things to love about track. I would
say the most challenging thing I face
when it comes to sprinting is my mental game. Track is such a mental sport. It's very easy to get in our own head and lose sight of the process. Some days you wake up and its like, "Why am I doing this?" and other days its like "okay....lets do this."
WD: In the world of track and field, is there someone you idolize?
SP: I've always idolized Florence Griffith Joyner, Carmelita Jeter, Sanya Richards-Ross and Allyson Felix. These women are all so fierce on the track, and when I'd watch them race. They are amazing role models, especially for women in this sport. Completely unrelated--I met Allyson once at a track meet, I was ecstatic. I finally got my opportunity to take a photo with her and just as her friend was about to snap the photo on my phone, it died. It was awkward.
WD: What has been the most memorable part of your life as an athlete so far?
SP: I have so many but I would say my most memorable moments was getting the opportunity to train and compete at a Div I NCAA university, and when I made the national team and was able to represent my country at two international meets in 2011 and 2016.
WD: What is your muse? What inspires you to do what you do?
SP: My muse is passion. Its that drive you see when you look at ESPN highlights. I am inspired by my passion and the passion of others. I am motivated by success stories and comebacks. Im talking about the Usain Bolts, the Serena Williams, the Kobe Bryants of the world, the people who have a story and train their hardest to be the best they can be and become excellent examples for the up-and-comers. That is what is inspiring. It inspires me to be the best version of myself and follow my dream and bounce back from my own setbacks.
WD: Unforunately we have to end the interview here, but before I go, if you had a message you would like to send out into the world, what would it be?
SP: To never lose sight of how you want your life to be. Live vibrantly. I learned quickly after college how easy it is to "stop living for you" and fall into the schedule of eat, work, sleep, repeat. I encourage everyone to always do something for themselves, whether thats sports or the arts or taking up a new hobby. Keep learning and doing what you love!
Thank you so much to Shamelle for letting us get the chance to get to know her and her story as a local athlete.
-Wynterdollie
www.edmontonmuse.ca