“I started running at eight years old and really started getting serious in middle school when I won cities in the 800. I continued into high school and tried my best to qualify for Regionals; it took hard work and practice, but I ended up qualifying and winning regionals. In States, I was ranked seven, but I still told myself that I could do it and stayed with the top seated runners for the majority of the race. At the end I gave it all I had and won with a 2:58 [in the 1,000 meter],” said Aniya.