Nijah Russell is a member of the Dowagiac girls track team.

What has been one of your biggest disappointments as an athlete?

NR: Not working hard in the offseason.

What has been one of your greatest accomplishments as an athlete?

NR: Competing at the state meet as a freshman.

What has been a hardship in your life?

NR: Not having the same opportunities as other athletes due to financial issues.

Who is a “hero” in your life and why?

NR: My mom because she’s always going out of her way to do what’s best for me even when I don’t deserve it.

When are you the most nervous while you are competing?

NR: When I’m stepping into the blocks and the starter is giving commands.

Describe an embarrassing athletic moment.

NR: At regionals, I started crying during the 200-meter dash.

How do you tend to workout/train when by yourself?

NR: I’ll listen to music and start with the same warm-up I do with my team and try to stick with a workout my coach has set for me.

What other sport would you like to compete in if you were not playing yours?

NR: Soccer

Who would you say is your “biggest fan?” Why?

NR: Genesis (Green). If she isn’t able to make an event she’ll always text me and ask how I did as well as other members on the team.

How would you give away $50,000?

NR: I’d give a majority of it to my family because of all they have done for me. I would donate the rest to a charity fund.

If you could be the head coach of a team for a year, what team would you choose?

NR: USA Olympic track team

If I did not play sports, I would…?

NR: I’d probably be really girly and overweight.

What is the most challenging thing for you to do in your sport?

NR: Having a positive mentality. Even though my body is in good enough shape to handle the workout, my mind is telling me I can’t do it.

If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?

NR: Qualifying only at the regional meet to make it to state.

What is the best compliment you have ever received?

NR: Someone told me they hoped to see me at the Olympics.

What was the scariest thing you have had to do? Are you glad you did it?

NR: Running the 4×400-meter relay. I’m glad I did it because a few people on the team including myself earned their varsity letter because of it.

What was the last thing you saw someone do that really impressed you?

NR: Run two-miles and then sprint the last 100-meters to win a race.

What is your favorite hobby?

NR: Writing poetry

Choose one word to describe yourself:

NR: Goofy