Jayla Kirkland (Woodlawn, AL) finished her freshman year as a four-time Alabama State Champion with personal records of 11.47 100/23.6 200/57.8 400. She's already ahead of herself in 2015, sprinting to a new personal best of 7.47 in the 60m to lead the nation in the event. MileSplit caught up with the burgeoning star to see how she handles the pressure & stays so fast.
Jayla: It feels amazing knowing that I'm #1 in the nation in the 60 meters. Like out of all 50 states and all the 60 meters competitors, I'm ranked #1. That's amazing!
Did you expect to hit a personal record this early in the season?
I've been training and preparing myself to break my previous record of 7.49 seconds, so I kind of did expect it. I wouldn't call this early; I'd rather say, “perfect timing."
When/where will we see you race again?
The Crossplex 1/19/15.
You're still very young for such an elite competitor. How old are you? Do you have your driver's license? :)
I'm 15 and I'm actually working on getting my driver's permit!
Do you ever feel young or intimidated by the older competition? How do you deal with that and stay focused?
Yes, sometimes I do feel intimidated but I don't let my fear get the best of me. I stay focused by staying relaxed. I find ways to stay calm which is usually listening to music or mentally imaging how I'm going to compete.
Tell us about your athletic background. When did you first start running track? In what other sports did you compete?
I first started running track in 7th grade. My first indoor track meet I placed 3rd in the 60m dash with a time of 8.4 secs with no technique. I had no clue how to use starting blocks. The only thing I knew was to RUN FAST and that is exactly what I did. I was motivated because of that but I still wanted first place so I worked hard to finally get that first place medal. I also play basketball and I've been playing that since 7th grade as well.
What are your goals for the year?
Academically, my goal is to have a 3.8 grade point average, but track-wise my goals are to just be great and stay humbled.
You're a very versatile athlete - you've won state championships in the 60m (7.47 PR), 100m (11.47 PR), 200m (23.6 PR) & 400m (57.18 PR). You're also a 17-8.5 long jumper. What is your favorite event and why?
My favorite events are the 60m and 100m. I say this because I just love how quick and to the point these races are. By them being so short any little mistake can throw the whole race off. You have to be focused and execute every phase.
You're currently ranked US #10 for 400m (58.22). Will we see you race a 300m or 500m this indoor season?
I probably won't compete in those events this season because we don't have them in Alabama. Well, not that I know of. They sound fun though! I would love to know my times in them.
What keeps you motivated?
When I think about where my talent could take me, it motivates me. My goals motivate me. I'm motivated to achieve them. My friends, family, and coaches also keep me motivated. I'm self-motivated as well!
- Hardest workout? Hills! Haha
- Pre-race pump-up song: Hall of Fame-The Script
- Pre-race meal: Pasta
- Favorite TV show: Martin
- If you could work out with any athlete (track or otherwise), who would it be? ALLYSON FELIX
