MileSplit.us Track Chats: Ciarra Brewer

 

This is the latest in our 2011 series of Track Chat Interviews with the nation's top track & field athletes.

Photos by H. Michael Roberts

 

 

MileSplit.us:  You have had an impressive start to the 2011 season, you jumped 40-09.50 at Arcadia and now 42-09 this weekend. Talk about how you are feeling with these performances at this point in the season?

Ciarra Brewer:  At this point in my season, I’m pleased with my marks in terms of progressing toward my goals. I’m glad to be back after such a rocky season last year.

 

MileSplit.us:  How is your hamstring holding up, anything serious?

Ciarra Brewer:  My hamstring is holding up pretty well although, I sometimes experience aches and pains.

 

MileSplit.us:  You have a 43-04.25 best in the event for #7 All-Time.  Talk about that jump and how it felt.  How was the atmosphere of the fans around that jump?

Ciarra Brewer:  Jumping 43’4 ¼ felt “the bomb!” I didn’t expect it. At the time all I wanted to do was qualify for the World Youth Championships in Italy. But when I popped that jump, it was the icing on the cake. I’d finally broken out the 42 foot range. The atmosphere was really different though. I had been at Eastern Michigan University the year before for nationals, and it was packed. So to have been there the next year with a smaller crowd felt different. But I didn’t let that affect me, I found a way to gain the crowd’s support. And when I hit that jump, the buzz of the crowd was unforgettable.

 

MileSplit.us:  Now tell us about some of your goals for this spring as far as a mark you would like to hit.  How about the CIF title in the triple, that is something you really covet, right?

Ciarra Brewer:  As far as this spring I hope to jump 45+ and I will like to take back my CIF State triple jump title.

 

 

MileSplit.us:  What made you decide to focus on jumping versus other events, you sprint as well right?

Ciarra Brewer:  Yes I sprint, but I’ve always favored jumping over sprinting which is why I’ve focused more on that event. I began to jump at a young age and ever since I could remember I was always more successful at jumping than sprinting. 

 

MileSplit.us:  What type of workouts and training do you do to perfect your technique in the TJ?

Ciarra Brewer:  I usually do a lot of biomechanic technique drills, isolating different movements of the triple jump. Along with sequence bounding, plyometrics, and power and strength development drills. 

 

MileSplit.us:  What has been your most memorable competition to date in your high school career? Why does this one stand out?

Ciarra Brewer:  In my high school career my most memorable competition would be competing at my first World Youth Championship in Bressanone, Italy representing the U.S. It was a great opportunity to meet a vast variety of aspiring young athletes from all over the world and to come together as one team with people I usually compete against. It was also cool being able to compete with other athletes from different countries.

 

MileSplit.us:  What do you like to do with your time when you aren't competing or practicing? Hobbies? Activities with friends?

Ciarra Brewer:  In my spare time I love to shop, go to the beach, cook, paint and hang out with my friends. I really just like to chill. I’ll go out from time to time but for the most part I like to spend time in with my friends and family.

 

MileSplit.us:  What role models do you have in T&F? Why?

Ciarra Brewer:  My role models in Track and Field would have to be Allyson Felix and Wilma Rudolph. Allyson Felix is one of my role models because she’s an example of a hard working elite athlete that proves it’s possible to be successful without using performance enhancing drugs. Wilma Rudolph is also my role model, despite having polio, she didn’t let it stop her from reaching her goals. She’s the epitome of courage and determination. Though she was diagnosed with polio she didn’t let it hinder her success. Whenever I go through an adverse situation I think of her story and how she was persistent and determined to accomplish her goals.

 

MileSplit.us:  Who do you look up to outside of T&F? Why? 

Ciarra Brewer:  Outside of track and field the person I look up to is my dad. Yes, I'm a daddy's girl. He’s my rock. My dad’s always been there for me. He’s always taught me to be the best I can be and to strive to reach my goals. I appreciate his willingness to help people which is one of the things about him I look up to. Both of my parents have major part to do with where I am today. Always helping me through my problems and available whenever I need to talk to them. I’m thankful for their support and everything they’ve done for me. 

 

 

 

More with Ciarra (Athlete Profile...)

 

To read all the TrackChat Interviews, click here