Allura Meizinger – the first-ever female cross country athlete to compete in New Lebanon CSD history.
Congratulations are in order for 9th grade student-athlete Allura Meizinger – the first ever female cross country athlete to compete in New Lebanon CSD history. In her first race of the season against the nine-time New York State champion Greenwich girls cross country team, Allura took second for her team – fourth overall – to help lead her team to victory.
When Meizinger was in 3rd grade at Walter B. Howard Elementary School, celebrated American long-distance runner Melody Fairchild came to visit and it immediately sparked her interest in running. Meizinger learned that Fairchild became a national phenomenon in high school winning back-to-back national cross country championships, eight state titles, and became the first female U.S. high school athlete to break 10 minutes for 2 miles in her career at Boulder High School in Colorado. Fairchild was faced with overcoming many challenges common to young female athletes. Meizinger has been running ever since her encounter with Fairchild, who has inspired many young female athletes. She stated that the best part about competing is that, “when I run, I feel so free and have no worries.”
What qualities make a good athlete? Taking good care of your body is most important. I would take a bowl of fruit over a bowl of candy any day.
What qualities make a good teammate? Being supportive, sticking together, doing whatever it takes to help the team win.
How does being an athlete make you a better person? It helps me take things step-by-step and not feel so overwhelmed. I try to use this type of thinking to help me through my daily activities too.
Who has had a positive impact on you and why? Mr. Healy because he knew I could run really fast and he loves running just as much as I do, which was very encouraging.
Do you have a favorite food to eat the night before a big competition? I do not have a favorite meal, I just like to eat anything healthy. And yes, I do like the occasional dessert!
Other than sports, how do you like to spend your time? I like to make sure I have time with my pets. I have 4 ferrets and 2 birds. I also love to spend as much time in nature as I can.
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