One of the nation's best at 400 and 800 meters as well as having run some incredible relay leg splits for her Columbia High School (NJ) squad in big-time meets like Penn Relays and nationals, Olivia Baker heads off to Seattle this weekend for the Brooks PR Invitational to see if she can take down the New Jersey state record in the 400 meter dash and run the US leading time in the 400. (Photo by Maroon News)
When did you first learn that you were invited to the Brooks PR Invite and how did your react?
Baker: I first found out during school. Coach Morgan called me down to her room during my free period and handed me a package that had come in the mail and I knew immediately that it had to be from Brooks. Around the same time last year (in January), I had received an invitation from Brooks but unfortunately was unable to attend because of a conflict with the NJ Meet of Champions indoor season. I opened the package with nervous excitement and put together the puzzle, each piece confirming my initial prediction. Upon completing the puzzle I was ecstatic about being blessed with a second chance to go to Brooks and this time there was no conflict! The first thing I did after that was snap a photo of the completed puzzle and sent it to my parents.
What does it mean to you to be invited to the Brooks PR Invitational?
Baker: It is quite an honor to have been invited to Brooks PR. I know that they only invite the top runners in the nation in their respective events, so the fact that they chose me to invite as one of their guests says a lot. It’s truly rewarding to have all of my hard work recognized in this way.
What do you hope to achieve at the meet?
Baker: Considering that this is the Brooks PR invitational Meet, I hope to achieve my PR in the 400m and break the NJ state record (52.56) in doing so.
What music do you listen to before races?
Baker: No music. I think about my race, doing every drill with my running strategy in mind.
If you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
Baker: Matches: Fire is necessary for everything from cooking food to sending an SOS signal, and keeping animals away at night.
Bug Spray: Often times, people underestimate the survival value of bug spray. Bugs will eat a person alive if not repelled and there’s not much a person could do about that without bug spray.
The Bible: That book just never gets old!
What would you consider as your best or most favorite race of all-time and why?
Baker: My favorite race of all time was definitely my anchor leg on our winning 4x800m Championship of America team this year at the Penn Relays. There is really no experience like competing at the Penn Relays as a high school athlete. You have the international competition, the historic Franklin Field track, and the 30,000+ screaming fans. Additionally, this year was special because we were the defending champions and we came into the event with the opportunity to become the first American team to win the Championship of America 4x800 two years in a row. To make a long story short, my teammates gave me the baton within striking distance of first place, and I was able to anchor my team to a dramatic come-from-behind win in a personal best split by 7 seconds (2:02.55, also the fastest split by a high school girl in Penn Relays history). It truly ended up being a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
What are some things un-running related people might not know about you?
Baker: I play tennis for my school in the fall. For a few weeks each summer, up until last year, I used to perform the flying trapeze as a part of a circus show. I also know how to ride the unicycle.
How and why did you get involved in the sport?
Baker: I got started running when I was 7 years old. I was encouraged by the races across the field we used to have during recess in elementary school. Usually, I placed near the front in these races, and genuinely enjoyed running as fast as I could across the field. In my search to find more opportunities to run than just during recess, my mom introduced me to the sport of track and field at a local 5K/fun run for kids. My best friend had joined a local team (the Jaguars) and when she told me about it. I asked if I could join, too. After some research, my parents decided to sign me up with the Jaguar Track Club. Through some excellent coaching and introduction to what track was truly about, I decided to stick with the sport.
How has your training been leading up to the meet?
Baker: My training has been going well! I haven’t really done anything geared specifically towards the Brooks PR meet. Coach Morgan and I are taking things one race at a time.
What are you most looking forward about your trip, race and weekend at the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle?
Baker: I am most looking forward to a fun, competitive weekend with some of the best athletes in the country. Something that Brooks has always done well with in this meet is taking some of the top competitors in the nation and fostering a community (at least for those few days) in which they can be equally as competitive and friendly with each other. Even long after the meet has ended, I still often hear people who went to Brooks chatting and laughing with each other about the crazy fun experiences they had at the meet. I can’t wait to join that community and hopefully break my PR in the 400m while I’m at it!
