Keep checking back to see who makes the Arizona Milesplit 'Watch List" in Track and Field.
Journal Questions:
Name: Diana Gajda (Diana's Milesplit Profile)
High School: Salpointe Catholic High School
Year of Graduation: 2014
Track and Field PR's:
400m: 55.92
200m: 25.24
When did you first get involved with track and field? How long have you been running:
I first started track and field when I was in the fourth grade just for fun since I was at the time participating in many other sports. Then in eighth grade I dropped all other sports and left track and field to be my main goal. That summer I joined a club team in Poland to take the next step up for when I got to high school. Since then I have been training all year round for the past four years now at Salpointe and in club track during my summers in Poland. In the fall I get to also train with the help of my club coach to keep my form up.
What is a typical training week like for you?
My typical training week all depends on the seasons, but right now I train six times a week during this season
What are your goals for the upcoming track season?
My goals for the upcoming track season are to focus on what I didn’t get to achieve my last season and to end stronger
How do you prepare yourself mentally for a race? Do you have any superstitions?
Before a race I have to mentally prepare a full day ahead as well as minutes before. I always make sure to have everything nice and calm the day before and be happy with everything around me as well. I always need to have my things ready and have all my good foods. Then right before a race I tell myself to take it easy and not to think of what can or will happen. I don’t have any superstitions, but I always feel weird if I’m missing something.
What does your season look like and will you be competing in any out of state track meets during the season or post high school season?
This season looks just as busy as all the previous years, but I will be competing in all the high school Meets and Invites of this season. I will also be competing again in Poland this summer in the Polish Nationals (3rd year competing in the Polish Nationals).
What message would you tell younger runners who aspire to be at the top?
I would tell younger runners to always make sure to get their running form right. Also to work hard, but to always get plenty of rest in because it’s hard to work without the power.
If you had to attribute your success to one thing, what would it be?
I would have to say that my parents were the ones who put the spark in me to succeed. Both of them had great running careers and still continue to run for themselves. Seeing that I would like to have it for myself as well and to go far with it.
Do you have role models or mentors in track and field?
My role models would be my parents since I grew up with them running around all the time so it had stuck with me and I grew addicted to it.
How many events do you compete in and which event is your favorite?
I compete in five events, the 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m, and the 4x400m. My favorite would have to be the 400m even though it’s the one that stresses me out the most.
Best thing your coach ever said to you?
The best thing my coach said to me was the breakdown for my 400m races.
Quick 6:
Favorite Pre-race Meal?
My favorite pre-race meal is pasta, nuts, and fruits.
Favorite Winter Olympic Sport?
The Ski Jumping is my favorite Winter Olympic Sport.
Favorite Meet?
My favorite meet is The Willie Williams Invitational
Cross Country or Track and Field?
Track and Field.
Perfect temperature to compete in?
80 degree weather with a non-scorching sun.
Favorite song at the moment?
My favorite song at the moment is Demons by Imagine Dragons.