Personal Statement
In the ten years that I have been competing in Track and Field athletics, one thing that has remained constant is my desire for self-improvement. The opportunity to study in the USA would present me with new challenges that would push me further than I ever have been athletically, academically and personally; a concept which really excites me. Due to limited coaching at my club in Scotland, I feel like my development has been delayed slightly but I believe that with the focused attention of specialist coaches, competing nationally in the Heptathlon would not be outwith my capabilities. It is my goal to improve my individual events so that in the next year, I can achieve 4000 points in the Heptathlon - a score which I feel is well within my reach. I thrive in competitive environments where I can be surrounded by people who will push me to be the best that I can be and I believe that studying in America will do this. As well as helping me to excel athletically, I believe that studying in America will enable me to obtain a high quality degree while also improving my personal skills like increasing my independence, self sufficiency and confidence.
I am a good candidate for any team because I have a lot of loyalty and support to give to both my squad and my coach. While I acknowledge that athletics is a very solitary sport and that my focus will be on self development, I believe that when you cooperate with your team and work together, this will reflect in your individual progress both physically and emotionally. I work very well with others and enjoy bonding with the people I train with. As competing at a high level is often a very taxing experience mentally, maintaining good relationships with team mates is important to me as they are the only people who understand this very unique experience. I am excited to commit myself completely to both my personal improvement and to the development of the team and I believe that working with coaches who are similarly motivated will help me to achieve my true potential and achieve the goals I outlined earlier. As well as being an exceptional teammate, I am also incredibly determined, driven and self motivated. In the past year I have had to contend with my season being cancelled due to Covid-19, having my coach move to another club and also adjust to working full time while maintaining my training schedule. I have been mostly self coached in the past year so have developed many ways in which to motivate myself. This experience has made me more resilient and has proved that I am able to take initiative as I have adapted my training plan to suit the recommended social distancing regulations. I am a very goal oriented person and most importantly, I am incredibly hard working which I feel makes me a valuable addition to any team.
As an athlete, I believe that my main strength is that I am incredibly versatile. As one of the only female athletes in my age group at my athletics club, I was consistently asked to compete in events that were not my speciality in order to help the team score more league points. As well as competing in the events of the heptathlon, I have willingly participated in triple jump, discus, 1500m and 10KM to name a few. I feel that this diversity in ability would allow me to bring something special to any team and allow me to cover gaps in events that may need filling. Whilst I am very versatile, I do feel I have a strength in field events. Javelin is a particular strength as it is very technique driven which suits my detail oriented personality. I have the ability to be very self-analytical and can critique my own work which helps me to become a better athlete. I think a key factor that makes me different to other recruits is how much I love the sport. I have been involved in track and field since I was 9 years old and it has helped me to form some of my closest friendships as well as taught me so much about myself and what I am capable of. For me, being able to train and compete regularly does not feel like work because I am doing something that I love and this is something I think I could share with other athletes in the programme making it a more positive experience for all involved.
My hardworking attitude is not only limited to my training, I am also a very dedicated student. I achieved straight A’s in my National 5 qualifications as well as taking a Higher a year early and achieving an A in this too. In my final year of high school, I completed three Advanced Higher courses which teach material that is equivalent to the content of the first year of university. I feel that due to studying at this higher level, it will take the pressure off me academically which will enable me to focus on assimilating to a new environment and training schedule. I have also managed to hold myself to high academic standards whilst also participating in multiple extra curricular activities and training. I have exceptional time management skills that I have honed in my year out. Since graduating high school, I have trained as a lifeguard and have worked in this position full time while also waitressing part time and maintaining my training schedule and studying for my SAT’s. I am able to prioritise and understand the importance of forward planning and putting my athletic and academic commitments before social plans. I am eager to learn more and I feel that my high academic standards would make a good addition to any team.
