Coeur d鈥橝lene鈥檚 Maricela Nelson sprints past setbacks to achieve her dreams
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Maricela Nelson does not let setbacks keep her from achieving her dreams! She is a five-time National Junior Olympic Qualifier, a two-time All-American for the 100m and 200m, and a record holder for the 100m at the Sweeny Invitational Meet in Lewiston with a time of 12.96 seconds. Maricela is well into her eighth year of running track and is a junior at Coeur d鈥橝lene High School, the school both her parents attended.
How did you discover your love for running?
Maricela Nelson: I started out with recreational sports such as soccer and basketball at a young age. As I excelled, people started noticing I was pretty fast on the court and field. At age nine, I didn鈥檛 even know what track was. I was clueless. But when I stepped onto a track for the first time, I found my passion and desire for running.
Being that you were so young, before the age of team sports in school, how did you get started?
Nelson: There was an extension from a running club called Spokane Mercury and that鈥檚 when I met Coach Linda Lanker. Coach Linda is an outstanding track coach who set hurdle records in high school and college. She also works with Olympic athletes.
How did you do that first year?
Nelson: I did not make it past regionals but knew I wanted to keep going but unfortunately the club extension dismantled.
Clearly your club dismantling was a huge set back. What did you do?
Nelson: I ran unattached for three years (2017-2019) training by myself under the wing of Coach Linda and other coaches I met along the way including Coaches Chris Paterson, Darlene Shriner, and Travis Pool. Those were tough times. One time I lost a shoe in the 200m race and had to finish with just one shoe, but I kept pushing myself, keeping my eyes on my goal of making it to the National Junior Olympics.
Did you make it?
Nelson: Yes! In 2019, when I was in 6th grade, my hard work paid off. I was ecstatic after seeing I qualified and dropped to my knees and cried on the turf grass, thanking God for being there for me.
Was there ever a chance to be on a club team again?
Nelson: Finishing up my eighth year of Girl Scouts and working on my Silver Award Project, I chose to impact our community by starting a track and field club. Through a year and a half of working, designing, marketing鈥� with the help of my family, friends, mentors, peers, and coaches鈥� North Idaho Blaze Track and Field Club was born. We offered a 4-day camp in June, July, and August, and of course, indoor and summer track for ages 6-18.
Organizing a club team is quite an achievement to be proud of! How did it help your running?
Nelson: I was able to keep making it to Nationals every year including 2023, even though I faced another setback along the way.
What happened?
Nelson: In June of 2020, after I finished my virtual track meet for the 200m (No live meets due to Covid), I was playing flag football and caught the ball back-peddling. I twisted twisted my left leg and had ACL Reconstruction Surgery at Shriners Hospital.
Was recovery hard?
Nelson: I had to relearn the basics, taking moments slow, learning how to walk, physical therapy, strength training, and lots of mental recovery. I truly thought I wouldn鈥檛 get back to where I was but I proved myself wrong.
How has all your hard work paid off?
Nelson: I鈥檝e placed top 100 each year for my events for National Junior Olympics. Being able to run and do what I love with club teams has been amazing. Because of scheduling conflicts, I ran with Valley Flash Running Club. I was worried about the change but it turned out to be one of the best experiences ever. I gained new friendships, new coaches, and special moments. I even got to run on a relay team for the first time. That鈥檚 something I treasure everyday.
How is your high school track career going?
Nelson: I鈥檝e had highs and lows. Whether it be mental, physical, or injuries, I鈥檝e had to persevere through a lot鈥� but I鈥檝e made it to state every year so far! I鈥檝e also set a meet record at the Sweeney Invitational in Lewiston.
What do you enjoy outside of track and what do you have planned for the future?
Nelson: I play other sports for fun and I love to help the community out! I am a Shriners Hospital Ambassador for Children. I enjoy playing the piano and ukulele. I love music, writing, graphic design, and photography. I鈥檝e written short 海角社区 and I鈥檓 currently writing a book. I love exploring and have been to 48 state capitals鈥� including Washington D.C. Currently, I am a medical student at KTEC getting my CNA Degree. I plan to attend college and want to be a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
With all your hard work and a few rather large setbacks, what advice would you have for others?
Nelson: I want to inspire the next generation to do what they love. Hardships will come with every single thing you try to do鈥� but every battle鈥攎ental or physical鈥� can make you into a better person. The journey won鈥檛 be easy. But you are strong, you are worthy, and you are enough. Never give up. Keep reaching for your goals. 鈥淔ly not defy.鈥� Stay humble. Keep your mind open and work well with teammates. Anything is possible. Just because someone puts you down, doesn鈥檛 mean they can dictate your light or who you are. You will experience moments of laughter and joy, hardships and sadness. Never stop looking up and never, ever give up on your dreams.
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