Sarah Daniel / White Lake Lakeland
Sarah Daniel is a White Lake Lakeland sophomore who currently resides in ninth position in the state's long jump rankings due to her 17-0 first place effort at the Elmer Ball Oxford Invitational on April 21st. She also won the long jump competition at the Lakeland / Walled Lake Northern / Milford tri-meet with her jump of 16-6 earlier this week. Daniel appears poised to improve upon her seventeenth place showing at last year's MHSAA State Championship, where she jumped 16-8.25.
MileSplit Michigan had an opportunity to speak with Sarah about how her season is going and what goals she has set for herself.
You have participated in a number of different events over the past few years. What do you plan on focusing on during the 2018 outdoor season?
I will be competing mainly in the long jump, the 100m and the 4x100m relay.
What is your biggest track and field related accomplishment to date?
Last year, I set my pr in the long jump (17-5). One of my goals moving forward is to improve that mark.
What do you need to do in order to improve? Are there any technical adjustments that you feel like you need to work on?
I really need to focus on my landing mechanics in order to maximize my distance.
What is your outlook for the season and what meets are on your schedule?
So far, my outdoor track season has been very positive and my main goal is to continue to improve. I'm excited to compete at the Lakeland Invitational this weekend and the Golden Triangle meet the following week.
Do you have any specific goals that you'd like to accomplish?
I'm hoping to qualify for State's again and I'd like to jump in the high 17's.
Do you have any training partners or athletes who you compete against that motivate you to want to continue to improve?
Grace Stark is a track star that I have a great deal of admiration for. We are good friends and she helps me a lot with my running technique. When I train with her, she pushes me to my limits and she makes me a better athlete. I'm inspired by all great athletes and I know that any record can be broken. This understanding makes me want to get better with every one of my jumps.
Is there anything you'd like to share about yourself that's non-track and field related?
Other than track and field, I play varsity volleyball and school is extremely important to me. I work very hard and I'm a straight 'A' student.
* Sarah Daniel's PR's:
- 60m: 8.48
- 100m: 12.94
- Long Jump: 17-5
