In this week's MileSplit LA FAQ, we get know Zachary sophomore Talar Johnson. Last year, Johnson was Louisiana's fastest freshman with a season best of 11.92 at the Region 2-5A. In that race, Johnson finished fourth, barely qualifying for the LHSAA Class 5A State Outdoor Meet.
At state, Johnson proved that the moment was not too big for her as she finished as the runner-up with a time of 11.98.
Currently, Johnson is tied for No. 8 in the state in the 60m with her season best of 7.83 coming at The Galleria Games in Birmingham, AL last month.
MileSplit LA: How did you get involved in track and field?
Johnson: I used to always race other kids on the playground in elementary school and beat them (boys and girls) and i wanted to play sports in school so whenever i got to middle school i started running track and field. My dad is also a track coach and went to the olympics so he also inspired me. Lots of my family members ran track too.
MileSplit LA:What is your favorite thing about the sport of track and field?
Johnson: The atmosphere is my favorite thing. Every track meet, I always meet new athletes. It's fun to see everyone have such different personalities/talents but relate to such much in the track and field world at the same time. It's like one big family in a sense.
MileSplit LA: What accomplishment/meet/performance are you most proud of?
Johnson:I am most proud of my performance at the Outdoors State Championship on May 6th, 2023 last year. I placed 2nd in the 5A 100m race.
MileSplit LA: What is the main thing your coach has done to help you become the best that you can be?
Johnson: The main thing my coach has done to help me become the best that I can be is motivate me. Words of encouragement from coach to athlete always means a lot.
MileSplit LA: How has your family supported you during your track and field career?
Johnson: My family has supported me in MANY ways. From sitting at track meets for hours, to picking me up when i've had a bad race, cheering me on in the crowd, telling me how amazing i performed, being excited to post my races online, etc.
MileSplit LA: What is your favorite event and why is it your favorite?
Johnson: I am stuck between the 60m and 100m as of right now, but if i had to pick one i'd say the 100m. Just looking at my progress from my very first race last year compared to the very last race at the state championship makes me want to work harder everyday and earn an even lower PR for this season.
MileSplit LA: What are your goals for this season?
Johnson: 60m: between 7.6 - 7.5, 100m: 11.7 or lower, 200m: 23.9 or lower
MileSplit LA: If you could change one thing about track and field, what would it be?
Johnson: The weather conditions. I wish everyday i could pick the temperature at practice/ track meets. I absolutely hate cold weather!
MileSplit LA: If you could take one characteristic of one of your teammates, what would it be and why?
Johnson: I would take optimism from one of my teammates. They are so encouraging and lighthearted whether I had a bad or good race.
MileSplit LA: Is there a competitor you love competing against more than others? Who is it, and what is it about competing against them?
Johnson: Some of my favorite competitors to compete against would be Sade Gray from Scotlandville, Reese Johnson from Mandeville, or Tristen Harris from West Feliciana. Last year those girls pushed me so much and I honestly feel that it made me better. Competing against them last year and knowing the heat they bring when they step out on the track (especially considering they're upperclassmen) always made me want to run harder.
MileSplit LA: What is your favorite meet and why is it your favorite?
Johnson: My favorite meet that i've experienced so far would have to be the Outdoor State Championship. At that specific meet it's really fun to watch all the different talent compete knowing everyone is bringing the heat when they step foot on the track. It's also bittersweet though because it ends off another high school track season and you realize it's your last time running with your favorite seniors.
READ MORE:
MileSplit LA FAQ: West Feliciana's Tristen Harris
MileSplit LA FAQ: Menard's A'Shyria Burns
Would you like to be featured in MileSplit LA's FAQ series? Fill out the Google Form at the link below and email a picture of you competing to MileSplit LA state editor Jerry Byrd at milesplitlaeditor@gmail.com