Taylor Altergott is a freshman on the Niles cross country team.

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

TA: Getting my personal record of 22:17.

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

TA: One of the biggest disappointments as an athlete was when I did not pass a few girls at the end of a race to help our team score. I felt like I had let my team down.

What has been a hardship in your life?

TA: Finding out my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Who is a “hero” in your life and why?

TA: A hero in my life is my sister because she is a huge role model to me.

When are you the most nervous while you are competing?

TA: I am most nervous right before we begin the race.

Describe an embarrassing athletic moment.

TA: When I tripped over my shoelace in front of the other team.

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

TA: Run around my neighborhood.

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

TA: Softball.

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

TA: My dad is my biggest fan because he is super supportive, helps me to get better and attends every meet he can.

How would you give away $50,000?

TA: To charities.

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

TA: If I could be the head coach of a team for a year I would choose my cross country team because I love the girls on the team. They are so much fun to be around and I enjoy every second I spend with them.

If I did not play sports, I would…?

TA: Spend more time with my friends and family.

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

TA: Keep a good pace.

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

TA: The dress code.

What is the best compliment you have ever received?

TA: The best compliment I have ever received was that I am a kind person.

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

TA: The scariest thing I have done was jumping off a cliff into the water. Yes, I was glad I did it.

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

TA: I saw on TV that a high school girl who was blind did pole vault and track. This not only impressed me, but it inspired me.

What is your favorite hobby? Why?

TA: Sports are my favorite hobby because I love to be active.

Choose one word to describe yourself:

TA: Optimistic.