Tara Davis (Agoura, CA) is one of the fastest rising stars in the nation. After earning All-State honors in the long and triple jumps at the CIF State Finals as just a freshman last year, the Charger catapulted into the 2015 outdoor season with an insane double last weekend. She set the U.S. No. 1 mark in the Long Jump at 20-4 at the Agoura vs. Westlake dual meet in California before hopping on a plane to compete across the country in the Texas Relays, where she won the Triple Jump in a U.S. No. 4 mark of 40-11.5.
MileSplit: How does it feel to jump 20-4?
Tara: It feels amazing. I have wanted to jump 20 feet for a long time and to do it twice makes me feel like I have accomplished a goal.
But that wasn't the end of your weekend. You went on to win the Triple Jump in US #4 40-11.5 at the Texas Relays - all the way across the country! Why did you decide to compete in both events?
We laid out my schedule very early in the year and it just seemed to fit in. I always try and make sure that I put the Agoura High track team first, then go off to do my other competitions. Texas Relays is such a hyped venue. I have always wanted to compete there and this year was the year. I also liked being around all of the college athletes, that was very inspiring.
Can you give a recap of the weekend of travel and competition?
It was such a quick trip, we were back at our car in LA in 48 hours. The competition was so fierce at Texas Relays, I think I had to go against defending State Champs in all of my events. When it comes to travel, we just pack up and stick to the schedule. Our flight was at midnight out of LAX and we landed in Austin at 4:40 AM. My grandparents had rented this cool house. I got a few hours sleep and was at the track by 11:45 AM to warm up for the 100m hurdles. I was a little disappointed that I missed the finals. I got to go back to the house and eat Grandma's shrimp scampi, which is the best and it made me feel better. Another nap, then back to the track for long jump. I was a little tired but ready to hit another 20 foot jump. I hit 19'7, it was an okay jump. I took second. My sister and my niece came from Dallas to watch me compete, it was great to have them there to support me. After my ice bath, watching my videos from that day and a short visit with the family, it was back to bed. I got up at 6:30 A.M and was ready for Triple. I was a little nervous because I knew there were some 40ft jumpers there. I just went out and gave it my best and came away with the win.
How did you rest and recover while flying across the country to Texas Relays?
I slept whenever I had time. Power naps really help a lot when I travel. My parents always have a rest schedule for me. I also do ice baths and get stretched out and massaged.
Have you competed at the Texas Relays before? What did you think of the event and how would you describe the atmosphere?
It was my first time competing at Texas Relays. I thought it was fun and I enjoyed being on the Longhorns' Track. I had come for a jump camp a few years back so I was excited about being back in their pit. I love that sand. Although the judges were judging stern I still managed to get a smile out of them. The atmosphere was good. It took more effort to get the crowd to clap me up because I think they were focused more on the races. I really enjoyed having my family there and seeing friends that I knew from Texas and some from California. But mostly I enjoyed being at UT and seeing the college athletes.
You have competed at some very high level competitions as a young athlete, including capturing two U-14 AAU Junior Olympic titles. What moment in your career are you most proud of so far?
Being in the 20 - 40 Club without a doubt. It was the most amazing feeling when I finally hit 20ft. Then when I hit 40, it was an equally amazing feeling. My parents and I were so happy.
When and how did you get your start in track and field? What other sports did you play as a child and when did you focus on track?
My big sisters ran track and one did long jump too. My dad also coached a track team in Texas. Since I was four years old, I have been out at practice with him and I just got in there and did what my sister was doing. My dad coached me right along with her. I played soccer when I was much younger, and then Lacrosse a few years back. My main sport has always been track and field.
You also compete in the 100-meter hurdles with a personal record of 14.22. What is your favorite event and why?
Long jump is my favorite because I feel like I am flying through the air. I like the height I get and I feel like I am really good at it.
I understand that you're a cheerleader. How long have you done cheerleading and what is your favorite part?
Cheerleading was another fun sport for me. I have been a cheerleader for the past two years. It was fun to be on the team, we worked so hard. My coaches really kept me focused. I learned a lot about the sport and I have great respect for cheerleading. I had the opportunities to participate in a lot of neat events with the team from music videos (Monster High) to UCLA parades and football games. Flying was one my favorite parts, but I think winning a National title in Crowd Leading this year was my proudest moment in cheerleading for me.
Do you participate in cheerleading competitions? If so, what is that like and how does it compare to the feeling of competing in a track meet?
Yes, I compete. We just won our 14th National title on March 22nd. It's a very dedicated sport like track. It is a different feeling than competing at track because I am competing where my teammates depend on me for their success in sticking stunts, where in track, I generally just do my own thing. But winning feels the same.
You placed third and seventh in the long and triple jumps at the CIF State Finals last spring. What are your goals for this spring?
My goals are to win! I hope to perform at a very high level again. I want to go out, have fun, get the crowd involved and fly high and far.
You are still just a sophomore. Do you get intimidated competing against older athletes? How do you deal with that? If not, how did you become comfortable competing against girls with more experience?
No, I don't get intimidated but sometimes I get a little nervous in hurdles because some of my competition is so fast and there are so many things going on at the start of a race. Most times I am comfortable competing against older, more experienced girls. When I competed in LJ when I was little, if I won in my own age division, my dad would have me compete up in the next age division older than me. So I guess it helped me get used to jumping against older, bigger girls.
What is one thing that people may not know about you?
I like to bake.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
When my dad swatted me at a track meet for acting like a brat.
If you could have dinner with any three people, who would they be and why?
President Obama because he is our U.S. President and that would be cool.
Usain Bolt because he is the fastest man alive and I want to ask him what he thinks about long jump.
Sanya Richards Ross because she is so inspirational.
You moved to California from Texas. Where exactly in California do you live, what is the best part of training there and what is it like to live there?
I live in Agoura, CA. It is north of LA, only 5 miles from Calabasas, where the Kardashians live. The best part of training in CA is I have an amazing hurdles coach and the weather is always good to train in. I can go to the beach for beach workouts which make me stronger. There is always some great competition at the Invitational meets. It is fun living in CA, I always see celebrities and hang out at cool places like Universal Studios and in Malibu. I have great friends, teachers and coaches that really support me.
Describe a perfect day in the life of Tara Davis.
Waking up at 10:00 AM, get a quick workout in. Have friends come over, eat lots of fun food and watch movies, then go shopping.
FUN STUFF!
Pre-meet pump-up song: Uptown funk
Favorite post-meet food: In n Out burger
Last movie you watched: Finding Nemo again
Favorite book: Before I Leave
If you could have one superpower, it would be... To fly of course
