It was the battle of the walkers.
Junior Annica Penn race-walked her way to third at the New Balance Indoor Nationals for the Girls’ Mile Racewalk.
“I knew I had a kick to come,” Annica said about her race. “It wasn’t going to be easy.”
But she makes it look easy. Annica had come in second at the New York State meet, and placed third at Nationals out of 23 other competitors.
Her coach, Mr. Broich, was extremely proud of her. “Annica has a very good racing strategy, and has gained confidence with each race,” he said. “She has a limitless future in race-walking.”
One of her fellow classmates, Augusta Greenbaum said, “I could never be as good as Annica even if I devoted my entire life to race-walking.”
When asked how she trained Annica shared, “All I did was practice with the team.” She didn’t change her eating habits either. “I just ate whatever, but when you get to the Olympic level you have to watch what you eat.”
Annica started during high school when one of her friends outside of school introduced her to it and helped her get better at it. “My best time is 7:04 at the 1500 meter but I want to get it under seven. I don’t know what I want to do with race-walking after high school, but for now I’m going to stick with it.”
Even though Annica makes it look easy there are many rules involved in race-walking. One foot must be on the ground at all times, and the back leg must be straight, which puts a lot of strain on race-walkers’ knees. (Annica has been seen waddling around the gym with two large icepacks on her knees.)
Even though her accomplishments are outstanding, she’s not done yet. She’s already qualified for the 2013 Nationals and she won’t stop there.
Congratulations, Annica!