The other day I caught up with one of the best athletes Calvert hall has seen in years: Owen Johnson. A current Junior, Owen was an All MIAA athlete his sophomore year and even broke a JV mile record. I had the opportunity to ask him some questions and have a conversation with him about himself and running.
M: What's it like being recognized as one of the best athletes in the school and an all MIAA athlete your sophomore year?
O: It's nice to be recognized as a top athlete, but I don’t want it to define me. I want people to see other aspects of me such as being in Peer Ed and taking my academics seriously. My friends call me "runner god" sometimes which I find funny but I still don’t want to be defined by that
M: What inspired you to run in the first place?
O: In middle school I broke my arm playing soccer and was sort of forced to run. After a little I enjoyed running and I just stuck with it. I'm happy I did.
M: What is difficult about running and how have you overcome the challenges thus far?
O: One thing people don’t understand is that although running is a very physically demanding sport, the mental aspect is the most difficult. The need to push through the mental strains and struggles is by far the hardest thing to do in running. It keeps people that are good, from being great. I overcome this every time I run my putting my mind to it and working hard. If you work on something, and want it bad enough, you can accomplish it.
M: Do you believe that running has helped shape who you are not only physically, but mentally, socially, emotionally, etc?
O: Yes I do believe that. Especially when it comes to school. It builds a positive work ethic in school which translates to academics and basically anything else in your life. It kept me mentally and physically healthier and helps relieve stress, clears my mind and thoughts and allows me to go back to work effectively.
M: What would you say to someone who needs some motivation to be the best athlete they can be?
O: If you're doing something, not to be the best you can be, you are doing it incorrectly. Represent who you are by all you can be. What's the point in not trying if you can do so much better.
M: Alright that’ll be it for today. Thanks a ton for speaking with me today Owen and good luck with the rest of your school year and athletic year.
O: Anytime, thank you.
The talk with Owen brought out some great comments that I think we should all remember. He explained that he didn’t want to be defined by just the athletic success and being a "runner god." He wants to be defined for all of who he is. A good athlete, a good student, a peer educator, and so much more. He ended the interview saying "If you're doing something not to be the best you can be, you are doing it incorrectly. Represent who you are by all you can be. What's the point in not trying if you can do so much better." He encourages himself and others to try their best and set goals so they can accomplish them and make more. Owen represents the epitome of what all CHC athletes should aspire to be, by demonstrating an exceptional leadership and work ethic. Work hard and don’t give up.