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Prior Lake's Leah Amundson relays her sprinting secrets

By Star Tribune, 03/19/13, 4:44PM CDT

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Leah Amundson of Prior Lake knows all about cutting it close. The junior sprinter owns a state championship (4x400-meter relay) by one one-hundreth of second.


Leah Amundson

Leah Amundson of Prior Lake knows all about cutting it close. The junior sprinter owns a state championship (4x400-meter relay) by one one-hundreth of second.

Amundson also runs cross-country and plays basketball for the Lakers. Here is a closer look at Amundson:

 

The best movie I’ve seen in the past year: “Safe Haven.” What can you not love about it?

 

Three songs I never skip on my iPod are … “Springsteen” by Eric Church (brings back great track memories); “Stronger” by Kanye West; “Run the World” by Beyonce.

 

What are your three favorite apps? Instagram; Crazy Taxi; Snapchat.

 

Who do you like to follow the most on Twitter, and why? My siblings because they make me laugh every day.

 

Three words or phrases my friends or teammates might use to describe you? Energetic; funny; competitive.

 

How did you get started playing the sports you currently participate in? I have run and played basketball ever since I was little. I had so much energy I always had to be involved in a sport.

 

At my first varsity practice, I felt … tired. Varsity practices are hard, but it’s all worth it in the end.

 

What is your favorite meal before an event? Almonds! All I can eat before I run.

 

To get focused for a meet, I … picture myself in my head running across the finish line strong and fast, and having perfect handoffs on relays.

 

What did you work on most prior to the season? Getting stronger. The stronger I am, the faster I run.

 

What are your goals for the track season? Striving to cut some time off both the open 200 and 400. Also, getting the 4x400 relay team back to state.

 

What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete? Definitely winning the state championship by one one-hundredth of a second [over Stillwater]. It was the greatest feeling in the world!

 

If you could change one thing about high school sports, what would it be? I wish more people could participate and be involved in a sport. I know how special it feels to be part of a team because they’re not only teammates, but they become your second family.

 

How do you balance school and sports during the year? I try to budget my time wisely and use my class time to do as much homework as I can. Although, it’s difficult at times and there are some late nights.

 

Who is your favorite college or pro sports team and why? The Minnesota Vikings. I love watching football, and you always got to stay true to your home team.

 

Do you have a secret talent —and if so, what is it? I am the fastest speed-walker; I am up for any challenge.

 

In 10 years, I hope I’ve … graduated from four great years at college and hopefully pursuing something I love to do.

 

What is the best sports advice you ever received? I know it’s a cliché, but “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” After every hard practice and race, I realize how true this quote really is.

RON HAGGSTROM

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