Bloomington, Indiana
400m, 200m & 4x400m runnerRunner Spotlight
Amiyah got into track thanks to soccer. She’d been playing since she was five, and when she needed something extra to help her stay in shape, track was the pick. Turns out, she didn’t just like it—she was good at it. So she stuck with it.
She started doing club track early on, trying out a bunch of different events, but it wasn’t until high school that things started to click. As a freshman, she focused on the 100 and 200. Then sophomore year, she got thrown into the 4x400. That race ended up changing everything. Her dad saw how well she handled it and told her he thought she had real potential in the 400. That’s when the switch happened.
Since then, the 400 has been her main event, and she’s only kept getting better. Now, she’s the strongest sprinter on our team at Bradley!
Favorite Running Spot
Drake Stadium (Des Moines, Iowa)Favorite Running Shoe
Amiyah’s go-to spikes are the Nike Air Max Fly. They hold a special place for her—not just because they look and feel good—but because she ran her first 55 in them during freshman year.
These spikes are designed for 400–800m runners, made to give a snappy, propulsive feel with just enough support for that mix of speed and endurance. They’ve got a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot and a carbon plate that helps with energy return, which makes them a solid pick for athletes like Amiyah who race in the mid-distance sprints.
For her, they’re more than just a fast pair of shoes—they’re part of the moment when things really started to click.
Best Achievement
One of Amiyah’s proudest moments from high school was placing 2nd in the 400m at the outdoor state meet. That race meant a lot—not just because of the medal, but because Coach McDonald was there watching as part of her recruiting process. It was a big moment that helped open the door to running at Bradley.
But the achievement that really speaks to Amiyah’s strength came during her sophomore year at Bradley. At the MVC Outdoor Conference Championships, she placed 3rd in the 400m—while dealing with a torn labrum in her hip. She had been running through pain for weeks, using a cortisone shot to get by, but by the time conference rolled around, it had started to wear off. Most people would’ve shut it down—but not Amiyah. She chose to finish the season first, then handle surgery after.
And she didn’t stop there—she also ran the 4x400 relay, helping the team finish 8th overall and score a point, even from the second heat.
Running through that kind of pain and still showing up, not just for herself but for her team, says everything about who Amiyah is. She didn’t have to keep going, but she chose to—and that choice speaks louder than any medal ever could.
Product Recommendation
Amiyah’s go-to hydration booster is Liquid I.V. She takes it right before leaving the house if she’s about to take on a tough workout, ensuring she’s properly hydrated from the get-go. When heading to a meet, she’ll take it on the road, usually about 30 minutes before she steps onto the track. This timing helps her stay ahead of dehydration and feel ready to perform.
Her current favorite flavor? Strawberry Lemonade—it’s refreshing and packs a flavorful punch, making it the perfect pre-race or pre-workout drink.
Liquid I.V. works its magic with its hydration multiplier, which helps you absorb water faster and more effectively than regular drinks. For Amiyah, it’s an easy and effective way to make sure she’s hydrated and ready to give her best performance.
Favorite Pre-Race Song
Word of the Week: Determined
“Determined to run a really good time in good weather with some good competition.”
For Amiyah, being determined means setting her sights on her goals and refusing to settle for anything less than her best. It’s the mindset that drives her to push through obstacles—whether it’s a tough training session, an injury, or a race that challenges her limits.
Comments
Post a Comment