Sayahani

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

I run the 100m, 200m and 400m, what I love most about it is when I am running I feel like it is mine. It’s not something I have to do like a chore and get good grades. It’s just something that I do for myself & I feel like I can control & be responsible for - for me, not for anyone else but for me, something that I can call mine and something that I can progress in & nourish and grow. I can represent myself with this sport and be proud of how I perform.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

The one person that Love admires and wants to model after is Gabby Thomas. Her composure and calmness when she runs is so soothing to watch. Composure and stride is so smooth and effortless that it is truly something to watch. Her consistency and love for track is real and it shows how she lives it daily. Love, tries to imitate all of that in her daily life, especially the quiet cool approach to her races and performs like an assassin and then goes back immediately to training after victory.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

As a mom, my proudest moment was when Sayahani Love hugged and comforted the top athlete in her division because she saw she was nervous. It showed me that she chooses kindness even when it doesn’t benefit her. Another moment was when she felt discouraged after a performance, and four girls from different teams she competes against came to our tent and spoke kind words to her. That’s when I realized she had earned their love and respect. I am proud of the gold-hearted, kind kid we are raising.