Cbus student athlete profile [Thelma Agyekum]

Thelma Agyekum | Olentangy Orange High School Pioneer | Lewis Center, OH

[Guest post blogger S Palmer]

Sports are often the highlights of our four year high school career. It bonds us with our upperclassmen as our awkward freshman selves try out – attempting to make a name that people will remember. In 2012 Thelma Agyekum was the name that they had happened to remember. Making Varsity Track her freshman year, is just the tip of the iceberg of what Agyekum has achieved! Track MVP, Delaware County Champ, seven broken school records, captain,… It’s overwhelming. But where is the time for this?

I know being in high school and doing homework, and preparing for ‘the rest of our lives’, can get a little bit messy. Though, for many students, extra-curriculars, athletics and fitness are equally important during these times. “Playing sports gives me adrenaline that I need.” said Agyekum. “I love the rush when I race against different people or play on the field with others.” Her love of fitness doesn’t end there – eating lots of julluf rice, kenkya, and fish keep her stomach happy (and sounds really good right now). She also enjoys working out at Planet Fitness in her free time.

Fortunately, all of Thelma’s hard work and training has already paid off this season. She is participating in the indoor state track meet this Saturday, March 3rd in Akron! Another great accomplishment to add to her list! She is also looking forward to the outdoor season and the chance to attend the outdoor state competition in June.

Sometimes there’s not a lot of reason as to why we do play sports besides the fact that we picked it out when we were six years old. We asked Thelma why sports? “I chose soccer and track because my dad introduced me to it and, I couldn’t stop playing these sports. I fell in love with them because of my dad.” Agyekum answered. Parents actually inspire a lot of people to play the sports they do, and also train as hard as they do. It’s also the natural drive that takes over when the adrenaline kicks in and gets us pumping – and it’s what gets Thelma Agyekum pumping too.

Five FIT facts about Thelma:

Favorite speed workout: Hill repeats
Favorite track event: 100 meter dash
Fondest memory about track or soccer: When she won the Delaware county 100m event
Typical workout: warmup, 300 repeats, 200, 100, core, cool down, stretch
Something we should know about you: She had to overcome an injury (broken femur) during her 7th grade track season; it taught her to persevere and never give up!