The California state champion and US #2 ranked Misana Viltz has been one of the nation's fastest all spring long in the 110 meter hurdles including major wins at the Arcadia Invitational and Mt. SAC Relays. His victories in those meets built momentum leading into his 13.47 personal best victory in the CIF Finals two weeks ago. Facing state champions from Texas, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, and Washington this weekend at Renton Memorial Stadium in Seattle on Saturday for the Brooks PR Invitational, Viltz is hoping to regain his US #1 ranking in the 110 hurdles and clock a new PR.
When did you first learn that you were invited to the Brooks PR Invite and how did your react?
I was invited in the middle of May. I remember I was sitting down outside getting ready to practice and my coach handed my a small package and the whole track team stared at me to open it. When I opened it and found out what it was it was definitely exciting because I know only the elite of elite athletes get invited and to know that I'm in that company shows just how far I have come.
What does it mean to you to be invited to the Brooks PR Invitational?
To be invited to Brooks PR shows that I am really good at my craft and it speaks to the fact that I have worked very hard to get where I have gotten.
What do you hope to achieve at the meet?
I hope to PR. I know this will be the fastest competition I have ever ran against before so running with the fastest helps me to do better.
What music do you listen to before races?
I listen to all types of music depending on how I'm feeling. I listen to hip hop, r&b, rap, but my favorite genre to listen to before running is reggae because it gets me upbeat and ready to run.
If you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
I would have to choose my phone, running shoes, and a blanket.
What would you consider as your best or most favorite race of all-time and why?
My favorite race is the 110 hurdles. I like this race best because my family has a lot of history running hurdles, and also because of love the technical aspect of hurdles and how much work is needed in order to produce success.
What are some things un-running related people might not know about you?
I'm fascinated with Real Estate and plan on working in that field when I'm an adult. Also I play West African Drums.
How and why did you get involved in the sport?
My dad ran track most all his life and he always took me to the track to work out with him and seeing him do it inspired me to start as a child.
How has your training been leading up to the meet?
Training has been really good! I did a lot of speed work and was blessed to be run healthy all the way through.
What are you most looking forward about your trip, race and weekend at the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle?
I'm excited to meet new people that share the same passion for the sport as I do. Also I'm excited to be able to race some of the fastest hurdlers in the entire nation. Also I'm excited for the different festivities off of the track that is planned. The parties seem really as if they are going to be really fun!
Watch Misana and the rest of the Brooks PR "puzzle pieces" race on June 21st on Flotrack and MileSplit!
