MILESPLIT LA FAQ: Anacoco's Sophia Swinney!

In this week's MileSplit LA FAQ, we feature Anacoco sophomore Sophia Swinney! Swinney won the LHSAA Class B state championship in the 800m (2:24.68) and she made the podium in the 3200m with 12:45.71 which was good enough for third place. 

Swinney carried that success into summer track where she picked up a new discipline--the steeplechase. 

In the Fall, Swinney ran cross country and finished fifth at the LHSAA D4 State Cross Country Championships. This came a week after Swinney was the D4 Region 2 runner-up (19:53.39). 

MileSplit LA: How did you get involved in track and field?

Swinney: I used to play basketball when i was younger and i got scouted out when someone saw me running down the court.

MileSplit LA: What is your favorite thing about the sport of track and field?

Swinney: That it is competitive and fun.

MileSplit LA: What accomplishment/meet/performance are you most proud of?

Swinney: Either winning state in the 800 or being the best in Louisiana for steeplechase.

MileSplit LA: What is the main thing your coach has done to help you become the best that you can be?

Swinney: Have faith in me.

MileSplit LA: How has your family supported you during your track and field career?

Swinney: They have consistently taken me to late practices or track meets that are far away and always shown a lot of love and support.

MileSplit LA: What is your favorite event and why is it your favorite?

Swinney: Steeplechase and the 800, I love the 800 because it is such a love hate relationship that it forces u to continue to love it as soon as u get a pr and the steeplechase is fun because it's like the mile with hurdles.

MileSplit LA: What are your goals for this season?

Swinney: To maintain my championship title and get more of them.

MileSplit LA: If you could change one thing about track and field, what would it be?

Swinney: People's sportsmanship.

MileSplit LA: If you could take one characteristic of one of your teammates, what would it be and why?

Swinney: I would take the calmness of my other teammates on the line.

MileSplit LA: Is there a competitor you love competing against more than others? Who is it, and what is it about competing against them?

Swinney: Kaitlyn Sawyer or Sya Bolden both are great athletes and I feel as if I run ten times better when I run with them.

MileSplit LA: What is your favorite meet and why is it your favorite? 

Swinney: Most definitely Outdoor state at LSU I love the energy and how chaotic but fun it is.