Meet Esperanza track & field athlete Abigail Gavrilovic
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Track and field has a very rich history, with many magnificent athletes competing throughout the world. Certain events that fall under the track and field umbrella are actually amongst the first sports to be created by humans! Because of how long this compilation of competition has existed, it is easy to see why so many great athletes have decided to participate. And speaking of great athletes, meet Abigail Gavrilovic!
Abigail is currently a senior at Esperanza High School, where she competes in both shot put and discus. She began her track and field journey as a sophomore when she was recruited to join the team by her history teacher. However, the transition was not as seamless as she would have hoped, due to an unavoidable obstacle. 鈥淭he sport is already difficult to compete in, and being the only left-handed thrower did not help. I quickly learned how to mirror what the coach showed the right-handed athletes. I learned to get out of my comfort zone, and I have been very successful by doing so,鈥� said Abigail.
As any high school athlete knows, getting to the top of your sport compared to your peers takes hard work and dedication. Even the most gifted athletes have to grind day in and day out in order to make it to the next level. Abigail is no exception to this fact, and she is making sure to put in extra effort to do just that. 鈥淢y goal is to throw at the collegiate level. I have only just started throwing, but I quickly developed a passion for this sport,鈥� said Abigail. While this is certainly not a simple task, it is clear that she is well on her way to turning it into a reality.
When asked what she loves most about throwing, Abigail responded, 鈥淭he first thing I love is how friendly other competitors are. I have made so many friends at track meets. I also love the personal feeling of a good throw, because I can feel it right after the release.鈥� The mix of competition and camaraderie between all of the schools at a track meet is one of the many things that make the sport so great. We also asked Abigail about the best piece of advice she has received during her time on the track team. To that she responded, 鈥淚 was told to 鈥榯hrow with my hips鈥� and not to 鈥榤uscle my throws鈥�. This piece of advice doesn鈥檛 make sense to the average individual, but as a thrower, it is logical. Yes, it takes muscle to throw, but it also takes technique.鈥�
Outside of track and field, Abigail loves to sing, camp, and spend time with her friends and family. Knowing this, it is easy to see the correlation to her self-described personality. 鈥淚 would describe my personality as optimistic, fun, and caring,鈥� said Abigail. The fact that she is a successful athlete simply compliments these great characteristics. Abigail also said, 鈥淚 am looking forward to seeing what my future holds.鈥� And while no one knows exactly what that future may look like in the wild world of sports, we can be certain that she will give it her all throughout her journey!
Best of luck this season, Abigail, and to your very bright future!
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