By Sierra Williams
Executive Sports Editor
Ranked third in the state for the freshman 100-meter hurdles, freshman hurdler and sprinter Shante Robinson has proven to be a valued member of the Mira Costa track and field team. In her first year at Costa, Robinson has broken five school records.
Robinson started running at the age of eight, and her success as a runner has come from years of hard work and dedication.
“It was just one of those things where I saw someone doing it, and I wanted to try it out,” Robinson said.
Before she entered Costa, Robinson participated in club track. She ran for Quiet Fire Youth Track Club for five years before switching to Push Track Club for a year.
“I actually surprised myself because I didn’t think I was that fast or capable of doing something like that,” Robinson said. “But with the right training, I picked up a lot of speed.”
Robinson mainly competes in the 4×100 relay, 4×400 relay, 300 hurdles, 100 hurdles and the open 400-meter dash. Robinson broke the school record for the 4×100 at 52.10; 4×400 at 4:14:49; 300 hurdles at 43.70; 100 hurdles at 15.10, and the 400-meter at 58.09.
“She is going to be heavily recruited by many universities, and the sky is the limit for her,” coach Roberto Calderon said. “She is so young, and yet she has already managed to break records that have stood for such a significant amount of time.”
Senior hurdles captain Robert McMahon feels that Robinson is a reliable teammate and always motivates others.
“Even though she’s only a freshman, she has become a big part of the team,” McMahon said. “She shows up to practice ready to work and pushes all of the other girls to be better. Anytime she’s running you want to watch because it’s going to be good.”
Robinson hopes to be a four-year member on the track team by maintaining strong academics and breaking as many school records as possible.
“I think I can help put our school name on the map and show people we have a really good track team,” Robinson said.
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