MAKERIAH HARRIS SPRINTS FOR THE FINISH LINE IN THE LHSAA CLASS 5A GIRLS 300H STATE MEET
Last year, Run Fast Track Club's Makeriah Harris put on a show at the 2021 AAU Junior Olympics in the 15-16 girls 400m hurdles. Monday, August 1st, Harris will begin her quest to repeat as a 400m hurdle national champion.
Harris also won a national championship in the 100m hurdles with a time of 13.85.
Earlier this week, Harris spoke with MileSplit US's Oliva Ekpone, to discuss last year's race in detail and what she is looking forward to as she travels to Greensboro, North Carolina for the 2022 AAU National Junior Olympics.
Running out of lane four in the 400 hurdles, Harris didn't panic when Motor City Track Club's Nonah Waldron had a burst on the back straight away of the finals in Humble, Texas. Harris trailed, even going into the final 100 meters of the race, but pumped her arms and legs furiously down the home stretch to surpass Waldron at the line, running a 58.08, edging her opponent by .02.
She learned from that experience on one of youth track's biggest stage.
"It taught me that I'm stronger than I portray," Harris said. "Running and then actually being able to go out there and compete and pull all my effort in practice and put my skills and technique into a race and actually having a great outcome, if felt great."
Harris said she looks forward to national meets because of the competition. When she is pushed by some of the nation's best, it pushes her to run faster.
That was apparent this past spring when Harris had her fastest time in the 300 hurdles at the Texas Relays, a 41.74. That meet also provided Harris' fastest 100m hurdle time, a wind aided 13.58.
Last year, Harris told Ekpone that she favored the longer hurdle race. This year, Harris leans more toward the shorter race.
"I'm leaning more toward the short hurdles now," Harris said. "Right now, I'm learning how to alternate. It's pretty tough doing the 400 hurdles now. I have to learn all over again how to hurdle on my other leg."
Besides alternating in the 400 hurdle race, Harris has been working to keep her elbows so that she can run more efficiently.
It makes sense that the 100 hurdle race, which she also won a national title in last year, is the race she is looking forward to the most.
"I"m really excited for the 100 hurdles because I've been working on my quickness," Harris said. "I really want to see what time I can drop it at and for the 400 hurdles, my techniques steps get down and see how this new race pattern works out for me."
No matter what race Harris is running, there is a very good chance Harris is going to have a strong finish. It's her trademark, along with the orange-tinted prescription shades.
" I feel like I have a drive," Harris said. "A motive. So like no matter what place I'm in or where I'm at, I'm always going to have a strong finish. That's what I've been doing since I was young. So like, I don't want to change anything now that I'm older."
Harris is of the opinion that the coming off the final hurdle, where she was able to win the 400m a year ago, reveals an athlete's true character.
"I feel like the last hurdle is the part of the race where you can see your heart the most," Harris said. "It shows your heart and dedication."
Track fans in Greensboro, North Carolina will be witness to Harris' heart and dedication as she prepares to win multiple national championships at the 2022 AAU Junior Olympics.
CLICK HERE: WATCH 2022 AAU JUNIOR OLYMPICS LIVE!