Athlete of the Week: Amaya King, Mason High School

Sport: Track and field

Class: 2018

Age: 17

Bet you didn’t know: I write poetry.

Toughest opponent/why? My toughest opponent is myself. Because throwing is an individual sport, your mental strength is just as important as your physical strength and technique. Your body only performs as well as your mind allows it too. My toughest opponent is myself because I am the only one who can stop myself from success. I am the only one who can keep myself from being who I want to be.

Favorite book: Animal Farm

Favorite movie: V is for Vendetta

Favorite TV show: That’s so Raven

Favorite musical artist/song: Corinne Bailey/Rae

Favorite pro athlete/why: Michelle Carter — she is an outstanding thrower and a great example of a beautiful and strong woman. She is an amazing role model.

Favorite smell: Grass

Favorite home-cooked meal: Spaghetti

Game-day rituals: I listen to the same playlist. I pray before every meet.

Person who would play me in a movie: Jordan Sparks

Words you live by: How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

Biggest influence/why: My mom. Everything I have learned about being a strong young woman I have learned from her.

I am most annoyed by: People who say one thing and do another.

I can’t live without: My family

Most embarrassing moment: Tripping in the hallway in front of my crush.

In 10 years, I’ll be: An Olympian, a wealthy businesswoman, happy

Best thing about rack: Throwing is an individual sport, so over my years of throwing I have developed trust and confidence in myself that I would never have developed without the sport.

Worst thing about track: Throwing is often underestimated and perceived as a sport that doesn’t require technique, athleticism, preparation or effort.

Vegetable I just won’t eat: Cucumbers

Favorite junk food: Brownies

Favorite school subject: History

Last DVD or video game I bought: Mario Kart

Person whose brain you’d like to pick: Bill Gates

Love to trade places for a day with: Michelle Carter

When I’m bored, I like to: Write poetry

Worst habit: Teeth grinding

On your bedroom walls: Throwing goals

Talent I’d most like to have: Dancing