Melanie Thompson
Sr., Voorhees H.S.
Glen Gardner, NJ
Highlights: Once a star point guard, Thompson (MS #5 East) gave up basketball her junior year to concentrate on running … One of the top runners in New Jersey, Thompson (pictured right in photo by Pat Montferrat) has individual wins this year at the Bowdoin Park Classic (18:23), Shore Coaches Invitational (18:14) and Manhattan College Invitational Eastern States race (14:12) … Ran a PR of 4:50.68 in the Mile at the 2007 Nike Outdoor Nationals, placing third.
Coach (Justina Cassavelle) says: “I think now she realizes she can go into most races and go for the win. She’s a great competitor. Tactically, she runs really smart races. She isn’t one to really push the pace early on and try to run away from the field. She’s just a great competitor. She thrives on the competition.”
Thompson says: “If I wanted to be with the top girls I needed to be more serious about running and run year round… I just think it’s a satisfaction that no other sport can beat. How people talk about the runners’ high, you can’t get that in any other sport. Running is my passion. As much as I love basketball, basketball isn’t my passion, running is.”
Weekly mileage: 38
Summer mileage (Max): 45 miles
Training shoes: Asics Kayano
Race day superstitions: Wears the same socks every race. Prays. Listens to Christian music.
Favorite athlete: Ryan Hall