A total of Eighteen (18) athletes will represent Bermuda at the XX Commonwealth Games being held in Glasgow, Scotland from July 23rd to August 3rd, 2014.
Today www.islandstats.com continues with the Spotlight on an athlete that will be vying for Medals at the Games. We bring you Track and Field’s Arantxa King.
Name: Arantxa King
Date of Birth: 11/27/89
Q. What is something many people don’t know about you?
A. I love cats 3 and, most recently, the Game of Thrones (so naturally one of my three cats is named after a Game of Thrones character). Also, I’m a very multi-dimensional person - I have a wide spectrum of interests.
Q. How did you first get involved in Track and Field?
A. I ran summer track because I needed something to do in between football (soccer) practices. I didn't seriously partake in track until high school. After a pretty phenomenal freshmen year, I realized track was definitely for me.
Q. Did you have a particular Track idol?
A. Growing up it was always Marion Jones (of course, prior to her drug/fraud conviction). I loved her not just because of her athletic prowess, but because of her attitude. She may not have been the most traditionally glamorous runner, but she was fearless. For a young girl, like myself, who was a tomboy and whose life centered around sports, to see a strong successful female in Marion Jones was inspiring. In my older years I look up to all of the long jump greats and even competitors. I'm a student of the sport so, to an extent, I appreciate all types of athletes (from the past and present and across disciplines) because almost anyone has something to offer and everyone most certainly has a story.
Q. When did you realize that you wanted Compete Internationally?
A. It wasn't a conscious decision more like offered opportunities. However, once I got the taste of competing internationally, I fell in love with the experience.
Q. What would you describe as your strongest discipline?
A. The Long Jump
Q. Which do you feel needs the most improvement?
A. My mental state in the competition can always use improvement.
Q. What one moment in your Sport to date are you most proud of?
A. London 2012 Olympics. I never felt so close and, yet, far from my dreams (Olympic Finals) in that moment. However, my disappointment was coupled with all sorts of optimistic emotions and, for that reason, the experience was utterly unforgettable.
Q. What are your goals for the rest of 2014?
A. Continue to push myself to jump a PB
Q. Can you give an insight into an average week of training for you?
A. I lift 2-3 times a week (either MWF or TTH) and practice every day from about 11-2pm (not including lifting hours). Twice a week my practices are jump specific (either approaches or short jumps) and other two days are either short multiple sets sprinting or a longer workout.
Q. Is this your first Commonwealth Games?
A. No.
Q. If No list the other Commonwealth Games that you participated in?
A. I competed in Melbourne Commonwealth Games when I was 15.
Q. What do you do when you’re not taking part in Track and Field?
A. I work with the University of Kentucky Track Team, read, write, and explore. Follow my journey on Twitter @arantxaqueen
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