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Jordana Klein
Time. Is it a goal or an achievement? For distance runners, perhaps it's both. They're not necessarily chasing the clock, but their time is a direct indicator of their improvement and, at times, their success. Whether it's shaving off seconds or claiming PRs, time can mean everything in track & field and cross country. Like many athletes, though, time also refers to the work put in behind the scenes to even get to that starting line.
For IMG Academy track and field student-athletes, they're immersed in the development process, led by expert coaches with years of experience and commitment to putting each individual first. They've experienced success, but they're far from satisfied. They're chasing a dream and pushing each other in the process while maintaining the motivation to break through barriers on an individual basis. Those barriers reflect not only the personal and team rankings as well as their times that they're regularly chasing, but it also relates directly to the influence of social media and all of the pressure that can come from being a young athlete.
You don't have to look a certain way to be a runner. You're a runner if you run.
- Carly McNatt, IMG Academy student-athlete, current #39 fastest sophomore girl nationally
With this mindset at the forefront, IMG Academy's track and field student-athletes are as determined as ever to push through to their peak potential while motivating those around them, all the while enjoying the overall process.
"I used to just run for fun, and I still do, but, now that I've gotten older, I've realized that it's more run for fun to enjoy it but also to try to become better. It's always fun to be able to run with my friends but also stay focused as a team."
- Tatum David, IMG Academy student-athlete, current #1 fastest sophomore girl nationally
In a sport that can be so individual, IMG continues to find ways to encourage the importance and significance of a team environment. While each individual may have their focus set on a unique goal, they all share a common passion for growth and development, which naturally encourages those around them to be the best version of themselves on a daily basis.
There's some teams that like to joke around, and some teams are super serious and individual-oriented. I feel like we really just do a great job of combining those two."
- Cole P, IMG Academy student-athlete, current #47 fastest senior boy nationally
Intrigued to see just what makes this environment so unique? Take a look inside the gates and within the track on IMG Academy's Bradenton, FL campus to see just what makes this program so special.
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Carly McNatt, Cole Piotrowski, and Tatum David are three IMG Academy track and field student-athletes who are not only committed to the process, but they're comfortable with being uncomfortable throughout their journey.
Being uncomfortable is part of the process of being an endurance athlete, and you choose how tough you're going to be."
- Dustin Spaunbauer, IMG Academy track & field coach
While the journey may be long, it's the day-to-day effort that showcases what being a true champion is all about. IMG Academy's distance group within the track & field program has never been more focused on becoming champions both as a group and as individuals. If you think studying, competing, training, and growing within this environment could bring out your own personal best like it has for these student-athletes, then we encourage you to learn more through the links below and to fill out the form for more information about IMG Academy's available programming.
