On your mark, get set, go!
Althea Davis, a rising 7th grader at Walnut Hills High School and Parker Woods Montessori graduate, is competing in the 2023 USA Track & Field (USATF) National Junior Olympic Championships in Eugene, Oregon, from July 24-30, 2023.
Davis participated on the Parker Woods Montessori School track team during the 2022-2023 season, where she competed in the 100- and 200-meter dashes as well as the 4x100-meter relay team, which took first place at the CPS District Track Meet.
Davis also competed with the Cincinnati All Stars Track & Field Club the past three summers. She proved to be a tough competitor during her first year while competing in local, state and regional track meets under the USATF calendar.
“I feel good about my performances because I always do better every time I run,” Davis said. “I always have something to push me and something to work harder for.”
While she’s accustomed to finishing on top, Davis surprised herself by continuing to break her own personal records. In fact, she shaved an additional eight seconds off her best time in the 400 at her last meet.
“I knew that I felt something different once I was running the 400,” Davis said. “I just really wanted to finish and make sure nobody caught up with me.”
Davis’ performance at the Region 5 USATF Junior Olympics Championships in Rochester Hills, Michigan, qualified her to go to nationals in the 100, 200 and 400 meter races.
While her growing medal collection gives her a sense of pride, Davis’ favorite part about track is that it’s fun, clears her head and gives her the opportunity to meet new athletes. In Oregon, she’ll be among approximately 7,500 of the best athletes from across the country. An energizing experience for Davis, “I am looking forward to meeting other fast people so I can push myself harder.”
As Davis prepares for the National Junior Olympic Championship, she thanks her mom and dad, extended family and friends, Cincinnati All Stars Coach Jim Engel and Parker Woods Montessori Coach Mr. Ray for their support.
“I think more people should try track,” said Davis. “Track is a sport that helps with so many other sports. It doesn't matter how old or young you are.”
