Name: Layton McLaughlin
School: Olathe High School
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment?
My most memorable moment would have to be at my league meet my sophomore year. I was racing the mile and I was trying to run under five minutes for the first time. I remember that I was at 2:32 at the 800. I pushed as hard as I could. With 400 to go I was still under pace. I closed on 68 seconds and finally broke sub five.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My biggest competition has to be my league meet my sophomore year when I was running the 3200. I was aiming to run 10:30. I was on pace for most of the race but I fell off the last 2 laps of the race.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment definitely has to be my region cross country meet. I knew I had a shot to qualify as an individual. I started slow but picked it up later on in the race. I remember I was in 15th for most of the race and it was stressful because I couldn't slow down if I wanted a chance. I ended up finishing in 11th and making it.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your career in high school?
One thing I change would be training more in the offseason. I would only train 3 to 4 times a week with only distance runs and no speed work. I wish I could go back and crash some 200 repeats on the track.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle would be when I got injured my junior year I had tendonitis in both of my feet and sat me out for the first 5 weeks of the season. It was difficult because I had to do mostly aqua jogging and lifting. I did some running but not a whole lot.
What will you miss the most?
I'll miss the long bus rides home, the afternoon and morning practices, and all the friends I made of the last 4 years.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
For younger athletes I'd say to do the little things. Like eat healthy, getting enough sleep, and always have a positive mind set. Also, train over the offseason so you're prepared for the offseason for what's coming.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach is very proud of me with for how far I've came in the last 4 year and with my life goals.
What are your college plans?
My plan after high school is to take the EMT course at the Technical College of the Rockies.
Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
I'd like to thank my teammates for pushing me in practice and the hard times in life. Also would like to thank my family for supporting me these last four years. Last but not least my past and present coaches I had.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I'd like to add a little something I wrote out a while back about.
Dear running, You made become the person I am today. Not just in running but in life as well. When I'm not showing my best effort at practice it will show when it comes to race time. But when I give it my all it shows improvement. My relationship with running started back in middle school. I didn't take this whole running thing seriously tell my sophomore year after my team qualified for state.
I noticed it was the little things being an athlete is what matters the most when you wanna run fast.
You taught me to just be me and not worrying about what others are doing in the offseason, at practice, and at other meets.
This last year has been a struggle. From a new coaching staff and different workouts.
I may never know when I'll step foot on the starting line again. Running with my friends. My teammates.