LR: Mikiah, what made you choose LSU?
Mikiah: What made me choose LSU? LSU was the first school I talked to to kick off the whole recruiting process, and they set the bar high for other schools to compete with. I love the coaching staff at LSU and I feel really comfortable around them. This staff has trained Olympic athletes, and coached many elite athletes which I aspire to be. The academics side of LSU is also great. I attend a high school that especially prepares us for college level education, so I feel that I will fit perfectly on the academic and athletic sides of LSU!
LR: How did you get into running?
Mikiah: I got into running after running around the playgrounds in elementary school and racing the boys and sometimes beating them. I told my dad about how fast I was, and he didn't believe me until he entered me in a summer track meet in the summer of 2007. Since then, I've continued to run and get better.
LR: What kind of subject academically interests you, and do you have any idea on what you may be majoring in?
Mikiah: My favorite subject in school is Algebra. I learn algebra fast and enjoy numbers. As of now, I'm undecided about a major.
LR: If you could describe your love for running in one word, what would it be?
Mikiah: If I could describe my love for running in one word, it would be "ambivalence". There are some days when I look forward to going to practice and putting in a lot of hard work, then there are days when I'm just not feeling it. The worst days are usually Monday's and everyday during the conditioning process! I'm a sprinter/hurdler, so I don't enjoy the long runs and cardio workouts!
LR: Every runner seems to have some pre-race rituals. Other than specific meals and your warmup routine, is there anything you do leading up to race day to help you relax?
Mikiah: In the days leading up to race days, I schedule hair appointments, nail appointments, and make sure my athletic gear is clean for race day! I started to take pride in how I looked at track meets after competing in Ukraine and being interviewed immediately after races. I feel that if you look good, you run well!
LR: If we asked them, how do you think your friends and/or teammates would describe you?
Mikiah: I hope my teammates would describe me as an ambitious and hardworking leader. I strive to motivate each one of teammates daily whether it's with school, track, or any other activity they participate in.
LR: You’re moving on in your track career. What are some of your goals as you go to the next level?
Mikiah:As I move on with my track career, I aspire to continue to get better gradually to reach my ultimate goal of becoming an Olympic athlete.
LR: How does it feel to know that you, as of right now, have the fastest 60m dash in the nation?
Mkiah: The feeling of having the fastest 60m dash in the nation is unbelievable! I can only thank God for pushing that time out of me. It shows that hard work pays off.
LR: How did you achieve such an amazing accomplishment?
Mikiah: As I've stated before, this accomplishment would not have been possible without the faith I have in God ultimately, but also, I have parents that make sure I'm at practice daily and a very supportive family. I have a coach that knows and understands the goals I have for myself, and he is doing all he can to help me reach those goals. I have a church family that continue to support me and motivate me to reach the next level of track and field, and I also have the best teammates that work with me daily to help me get better!
LR: Besides the 60m dash, what other events do you run?
Mikiah: Besides the 60m dash, I run the 60m hurdles, long jump, and 4x200 indoors. Outdoors, I run the 100m and 200m dashes, 100m hurdles, and the 4x100.
LR: What is your favorite genre of music and who are some of your favorite artists?
Mikiah: I enjoy listening to all types of music, but my favorite would have to be R&B. Some of my favorite artists are Musiq Soulchild, Jasmine Sullivan, Jennifer Hudson, and Mary Mary.
LR: You ran such a fast time for the indoor season. What are your goals as you move onto your senior outdoor season?
Mikiah: As I move onto outdoor season, I hope to remain healthy and run times that are among the nations best!
LR: Thanks Mikiah!
<p> Are you running/jumping/throwing in college? Have we not added you to our series "Class of 2014:Where are you going?" Drop us an email at pat@louisianarunning.com including a picture of your signing (if you have one), where you will be competing, and in what event. Thanks!</p>