A single gunshot set the Field for the UIL State Track Championship, Naomi “Peach” Booker wasn’t just running for medals but for something more.
She ran for personal growth, redemption and joy.
Entering the state finals with laser focus, she rose to the occasion capturing gold in both the 300-meter hurdles and 100-meter hurdles. Peach says leading up to state she focused on quality over quantity when it came to practices, making sure to keep her body in great condition while also improving as much as possible.
Building up her confidence and preparing was also a big factor to have the best race she can have. Her coaches also were a big factor as well, putting trust in them knowing that they are giving her the best training possible.
“My mindset is I’m only running for an audience of one,” she says on focusing on her race and her race alone and knowing the only thing between her and the finish line is herself.
She also puts her faith in God and tries to make her parents proud with every race she has. Going out to have to best race she can run and most of all have fun while also competing.
Coming to compete as well knowing she put in the work to earn her spot at a chance at the State title.
One challenge Peach said she faced was becoming a dual event athlete after taking up the 100 meter hurdles and 300 meter hurdles, this means longer practices, more in depth training which can be a struggle for most student athletes but she doesn’t let this stop her stride. Last year after not qualifying for state, Peach said she wanted to improve her performance on the track to come back stronger for this season while also improving her sprinting in the 100 meter hurdles, which she did sprinting away with the state title.
“My mom and my dad, I would say they have been the biggest supporters in my track career so far.,” she said. “They’re always cheering, they’re always at every practice and they’ve been my support since I was nine years old.”
They supplied her with lots of encouragement and nurturement to make her the amazing athlete she is. Her fellow runners and coaches also showed her plenty of support by giving her a walk out to State and showing up to also support her at the State meet.
Looking forward for next season, Peach is looking to qualify for state and win in both her 300 meter hurdles and 110 meter hurdles for her senior season as well and leave with both titles once again. As for college and beyond Peach also hopes to continue competing at the college level and beyond, hopefully bringing her talents to future Olympics.
