Name: Karrington Winters
School: New Albany High School (OH)
Personal Bests
100m: 11.97
200m: 24.22
400m: 53.39
In the 400m, Winters’ is a 3x Outdoor Ohio State champion and a 3x Indoor State Champion. On the national level Winters is a 2x New Balance All-American in the 400m. In 2013 she placed 3rd running 54.72, and in 2015 she placed 6th running 53.64. Winter’s also placed 5th (2013) & 3rd (2015) in the 100m at the Ohio State meet. In addition to these accomplishments, Winter was named the Ohio Gatorade Girl's Track & Field Athlete of the year ( 2015).
What was your most memorable race/moment?
It is a tie between winning states my freshman year and winning states my senior year. It was these two races that really reminded me of why I run track. The most memorable moment was being told by my coach that I was Ohio Gatorade Track and Field Player of the Year, it has been something that I have wanted and worked towards since my freshman year.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Cliche, but myself. Every track runner, especially 400m runners, battle mentally and physically to get ourselves in shape. The battle I am most proud of is overcoming the mental blocks my injury inflicted upon me (May 2014: hamstring injury).
What was your greatest accomplishment?
It'd have to be overcoming the mental blocks from the injury. I would also have to say maturing as a runner and as a person through my track experience. Each year, I surprised myself and proved to myself that I was better than I thought.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would not change anything, only because pushing through obstacles and learning through experience as well as my coach's words are what made me the runner I am today. Without the struggle, there is no story. Without the struggle, I would not have developed my mind set I have now.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Mental blocks and recovering from injury. As well as not putting so much pressure on myself.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my NA track family and my coaches. As I move forward, I know I can always call them and speak to them, but we won't be seeing each other everyday and we won't be running together anymore.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Don't hold back, the 4 years goes faster than you could ever imagine. Don't worry about feeling pain at the end of the race, the pain is temporary.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
It's hard not to get emotional because the lessons I've learned are endless and we share a bond that no one else understands. Coach O (Otis Winston) has help me understand myself better than I ever have. He is the one I leaned on when I was nervous, excited, sad, you name it..he has had more than an influence on me, he really got inside my head and helped me develop mental toughness. Coach O always gave me words of wisdom and motivational speeches. One of the many things he's told me is that "when you have a dream, you should have tunnel vision on that dream, don't let anyone stop you, if you want something go out and get it, work for it".
What are your college plans?
I will be attending THE Ohio State University and will be majoring in Strategic Communication. #GoBucks! #OSU19
Who would you like to say thank you to?
Coach Rosie, Coach Charles, the New Albany Community, Milesplit, and all who have supported me.
Last, but certainly not least: My family and Good family friends: My mom, My dad, Kelci (sister), Mama (Grandma), The Grays: Yvonne, Nick, James, Jade, and Aunt Lynne, and Marcia!
Everyone above has supported me in their own way and has played a key role with my success over the past 4 years of HS. Thank you all so much for everything, although I will be making the long 20 minute journey to OSU this fall, I hope you all can come out to a few home meets.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Track is a great way for young kids to learn work ethics, how to strive for goals, life lessons, and good sportsmanship. During some time in life, I feel everyone should be introduced to the wonderful sport because it is more than just running fast and turning left.
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