Today we salute Rydir Fleming of Downingtown West.
Fleming finished up his high school track career with the Whippets, as a solid sprinter. He put down PRs of 11.42 in the 100 meters and 23.24 in the 200 meters. Fleming answered some questions for PennTrackXC, reflecting on his career.
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What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race was my first race back since my appendectomy at the Armory Varsity Classic. I ran the 200 along my teammates Morrell Garcia and David Cospito . I was really nervous because I thought I had lost all my speed that I been training for and I didn't have my sprinting coach there along my side so I was going threw lots of feelings and I went out there and got first in my heat with a 23.8.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I face my biggest competition at the Penn Relays the pass year against the international teams other anchor legs which we received third place.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
The culture, love , determination and Sportsmanship that we all had for one another on the track team . We were like a family.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I would change my diet, but most of all I would push my teammates harder than ever and started track sooner.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Learning how to be a good friend and be a captain to my friends and not showing favoritism.
What will you miss the most?
My coach Tom Disante and my fellow teammates . I would also miss the hard work that we would all put in to try and figure out what's going on with our 4x100 relay .
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Don't never give up and always go for what you want . Nothing is never handed to you. You have to work hard for what you want and when you accomplish it, don't think twice . Never run a race with out warming up properly and cooling down afterwards.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
Yes. Coach D had taught me life lessons and was there for me when I needed help with my school work . He took me and other teammates to college visits he also stayed after practice with me to get back stronger when I had my surgery . Coach d was a father figured to me .
What are your post-high school plans?
I will be attending university of Pittsburgh-Johnstown campus studying Pre-Medical to become a Pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon . During those 4 years, I'll also be running track and field .
Any shoutouts?