Krystal Sparling, a senior at sprint powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida, recently won her first individual title at the state meet in the 100 meters. She will look to book her return trip to the adidas Dream 100 with a win at the Golden South Classic this weekend.
Krystal by the Numbers:
- PR, 100m - 11.34
- PR, 200m - 23.34
- PR, 400m - 56.34
- Florida State Championship relay titles - 4
- Florida State Championship individual titles - 1
MileSplit: Congratulations on winning your first individual state title last weekend in the 100m. How does it feel and what does it mean to you to win in your senior year?
Krystal: Winning the 100m is an amazing feeling. One of my goals for this season was to win. It means a lot to me because it was my final track season in high school it was like putting the icing on the cake.
How many state titles have you won as part of a relay team?
I have won 4 state titles with the relay team.
Your own teammates are often your toughest competition. What is the team dynamic like at St. Thomas Aquinas and how does it feel to represent such a strong program?
It's an amazing feeling to represent one of the best schools in the nation. We all have one goal in mind and that is winning.
Describe a typical workout week.
MONDAY - 6X120m
TUESDAY - Block starts
WEDNESDAY - 2X250, 3X150
THURSDAY - Rest
FRIDAY - block starts: 4X30m, 4X60m
SATURDAY - 4X180m
SUNDAY - Rest
What is the hardest workout you've ever done?
2x600m, 5x300m
You are competing in the 100 meters this weekend at the Golden South Classic. If you win, you will qualify for the adidas Dream 100, where you placed fourth last year. How are you feeling about your fitness as you head into the meet?
I am feeling very confident for this race. Training has been going well for me so I'm pretty excited.
What would it mean to qualify for the adidas Dream 100 again?
It would mean the world to me because I have been looking forward for this meet all season.
Describe your experience in New York for the adidas Dream 100. What made it special?
The Dream 100 experience is great. What makes it special is that they actually treat you like your a professional runner. How cool is that? You also get tons of gear.
Do you have any other post-season plans, like Brooks PR Invitational or New Balance Nationals?
I will be attending the Brooks PR invitational.
Krystal Sparling has won a total of five state titles in Florida, arguably one of the nation's most competitive states.
As a 5-foot-2 sprinter, you are one of the smallest yet fastest girls in the blocks. How does your size help you?
My size helps my confidence. Most of the girls I run against are taller than me so my goal is to get out the first 30m and match their stride length.
Do you have a favorite pro track athlete? Who is it and why are they your favorite?
My favorite pro track athlete is Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce. She's my favorite simply because we have a lot in common such as our size.
What is your favorite event to run and why?
My favorite event is the 100m because it's the shortest and most technical race.
What is your athletic background and how/when did you start running track?
Well my mom told me to try out for the middle school team and I've been running ever since.
Congratulations on signing with Texas A&M! What other schools were you considering and how did you make your decision?
I considered LSU, USC, Alabama, and UF. My decision had a lot to do with the team bonding and the academic program.
What do you want to major in at Texas A&M and why?
I am majoring in Kinesiology. I want to become a Physical Therapist.
What will you miss most about living in Florida?
I will really miss my family and friends.
What is the most surprising thing about you?
The most surprising thing about me is that I eat a lot and I love junk food.
What is your most embarrassing athletics-related moment?
When I was doing a workout on the track tripped and got scraped up
Describe a perfect day in the life of Krystal Sparling.
A perfect day would be when I'm supposed to have a challenging workout and it ends up being a easy day!
FUN STUFF!
Pre-race pump-up song: Erica Campbell-Help
Guilty pleasure meal: Cookies and Ice Cream
Favorite movie: Norbit
Favorite book: 50 Shades Of Grey
If you could have dinner with any 3 people, living or dead, who would they be and why?
Lebron James, President Barack Obama, and Flo Jo. I would want to have dinner with them because they have all affected the world in their respective places.
