What I did on my summer vacation: Meshawn Graham

8/30/2007

WHAT SHE DID: Graham went on a journey of a lifetime this summer. She, along with approximately 30 other high school athletes representing the United States, participated in the IAAF World Youth Championships held in Ostrava, Czech Republic. She competed in her first international competition despite spending much of her time leading up to the meet recuperating from a hamstring injury suffered while competing three weeks earlier at the state meet in Columbus. At the world meet, she made it through three rounds of competition to place sixth in the 400 meters with a time of 55.18. Her training regimen leading up to the meet required light running workouts because of her hamstring. She also underwent physical therapy treatments to help with the healing process.

HOW IT HELPED: The overseas experience allowed her to see what running against others from all over the world is like. I m glad I got a chance to go. It changed my whole perspective on what you want to do and where I need to go, Graham said. The opportunity also allowed her greater exposure to college coaches and recruiters.

OUTLOOK: Graham believes the sky is the limit. Her goals entering her senior year are the same as they have been throughout her high school career. She is determined to win multiple state titles in a single season. She has won Division I state titles in the 100 and 200, and anchored an 800 relay team to a championship. Finishing first at state in her favorite event, the 400, is high on her list of goals. However, long before Graham everattempts to sweep the Division I 100, 200 and 400 races at the state meet next spring, she has a difficult decision on whic college to attend with interests from many schools including Michigan, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, UCLA, Louisiana State, Texas Christian and Southern California.