Photo by Abby Huber
Last weekend, at the Hempfield Black Knight Invite, we watched Lily Palacio-Lewis of Warwick dominate the 100m dash in a fast time of 12.32 seconds. That ranks her third in the state of Pennsylvania. PennTrackXC caught up with Lily this week to talk about her early season success and what is next for this talented freshman.
PennTrackXC: How did you get involved with track and field?
Lily Palacio-Lewis: Our elementary school had some one mile runs/races where I first realized that I liked running and was good at it. I played soccer in middle school and people always thought I was fast. So, I decided to try track in middle school and really liked sprinting and jumping. Now track is my main sport.
PTXC: When you made the transition to high school track, how did you become the anchor of your 4 by 100m relay ? What are you and your 4 by 100m relay working on as a team?
LPL: We had a few time trials in indoor track and after that I got placed on the anchor leg. We are working on our hand offs to get faster as a team.
PTXC: Individually, as a freshman, you're currently ranked third in Pennsylvania in the 100m dash. Do you have any goals for yourself for the season?
LPL: I want to get down to 12 flat in the 100m . I also want to go under 26 in the 200m, so I am really pushing for that.
PTXC: Will you ever try the 400m ?
LPL: Well, sometimes I do run the 400m when I run on our 4 by 400m relay team.
PTXC: How does it feel? Do you like it?
LPL: Eh, It is hard, but I know it makes me better and it is good for my training and my team.
PTXC: What about jumping events, like long jump?
LPL: I have done long jump a couple of times, but my main focus is the 100m and 200m races.
PTXC: What are some areas you feel you have to improve upon?
LPL: I have to work on my starts; I am really slow to start races. I want to work on coming out of my blocks faster as the season goes on.
