Q&A with Ardrey Kell track & field athlete Tyler Glover
CHARLOTTE, N.C — A Q&A with Tyler Glover who is a senior at Ardrey Kell High School and is a member of the track & field team.
Years in current sport: 5
Team/s: Ardrey Kell High School and Higher Power Athletic Club
How did you first get into throwing events, and what drew you to it?
Tyler Glover: I tried out for track and field team in 7th grade. I was interested in sprinting but my older brother had thrown when he was in middle school and since he was good at it, I thought I would be good at it. I focused on throwing my freshman year because I was still recovering from my ACL surgery. During that season, I formed a greater appreciation for throwing based on the complexity of the technique.
What is a memorable moment or achievement from your throwing career so far?
Glover: After a disappointing performance at states my freshman year, I immediately got a throwing coach and we set the goal for me to win states the next year. After a year of strenuous practices, I gave my everything and won states my sophomore year! That was the first time I felt like my hard work had paid off.
Are there any throwers, past or present, that you look up to as inspiration?
Glover: A thrower that I look up to is Raven Saunders, a shot putter who competed for the US Olympic team and earned silver at the Tokyo games. Not only is she accomplished, but she is unapologetically herself. She is constantly changing the perception of what a female thrower can or should be.
What are your personal goals within your sport/athletic dreams?
Glover: Winning indoor states for shot put and outdoor states for shot put and discus. I want to earn a spot on the US U20 team and win at the Pan Am U20 Championship. As a Harvard student athlete, I want to win Ivy League and NCAA championships individually while contributing to the team鈥檚 success at all meets but especially Ivy鈥檚, HEPs, and NCAAs.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Glover: To be consistent and believe in yourself, even if you aren鈥檛 seeing the progress that you want. You will see the success that you want not by making huge changes overnight but by taking small steps every day. Staying consistent when you don鈥檛 feel like doing it and believing you are on the right track.
What do you love about your sport?
Glover: I love that its a welcoming, supportive, small niche community. With consistency athletes can see huge amounts of progress which builds confidence in all areas of one鈥檚 life
What do you like to do outside of your sport?
Glover: I like to cook and bake. Over quarantine I had a lot of time to try out a variety of recipes and expand the types of food that I鈥檓 comfortable with cooking. I prefer physical books, but a good audible book is also enjoyable.
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