Friends’ Central runner Gabrielle Wilkinson is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week

The Friends’ Central sophomore recently sparkled at one of New York’s most elite indoor track meets, The New Balance Games at the Armory.  She won the 1,000 meter race in a time of 2:52.45, ranking her as No. 3 in the United States among high school girls. In the 600-meter race she finished a close second to the defending Youth World 800-meter race champion, running a time of 1:34.36 which places her No. 5 on the list of United States high school girls. Her performance at the meet was nationally recognized as, “one of the most impressive doubles of the weekend.” She is also currently ranked fourth in the United States and second in Pennsylvania in the 800-meter run (2:12.47 ) and 29th in the United States and fourth in Pennsylvania in the mile run (4:57.75). She finished in first place last year in the 800-meter run at the PTFCA Indoor State Championships. She will be competing in the prestigious Millrose Junior Mile in New York City Feb. 20.

Q: What was your most vivid memory of the 1,000-meter race at The New Balance Games?

A: My most vivid memory of that race was when I stepped up on the line with the other competitors and I was very excited that we were going to compete despite the blizzard [the day before]. I did not know what my competition was going to be like, so I was very nervous. With three laps to go, I realized that no one was behind me and I was going to have to push myself if I wanted to run a fast time.

Q: Later that day, in the 600-meter run, you finished a close second to the defending Youth World 800-meter champion – what is your most vivid memory of that race? What, to you, was the key to recording what was nationally recognized as, “one of the most impressive doubles of the weekend”?

A: I was pretty nervous, not just at the fact that I was running the 600 meters, but because I was running against the World Youth 800-meter Champion. I was competing against a phenomenal runner and that alone made me nervous. What I remember most from the race is when we approached our last lap. I was in second place, behind the Youth World Champion, slowly closing the distance between us. Then with 120 meters to go, she started to pull away. I gave everything that I had left in my tank and finished a close second. When I looked at the article and saw that my two races were nationally recognized as “one of the most impressive doubles ever of the weekend,” I was astonished. I was so grateful to have gotten this recognition and I just think it shows how hard I had to work to get to that point.

Q: What do you consider your best indoor event, and why?

A: I consider the 800 meters to be my best indoor event because it is not too short and not too long, but right smack down the middle. I can approach the race with different strategies and still have time to adjust my strategies during the race. At the PTFCA Indoor State Championships last year, I won the 800 meters in a time of 2:09.5 and held off a nationally ranked-runner. That was one of my best races ever because I took a different strategy in going out slower in the first few laps and finishing stronger in the last two laps. What I learned from that race, is that there isn’t just one way to run the 800 meters, but multiple ways to get good results. That’s why I consider the 800 meters to be my best event.

Q: What’s your favorite indoor running venue, and why?

A: The Armory Track on Fort Washington Avenue in New York in one of my favorite running venues because it’s an exciting place to run and the crowds are the best.

Q: What aspect of your running are you working on most recently?

A: I am working on consistency and running my laps evenly to prepare me for longer races.

Q: Tell us a little about your running shoes, the type of shoe you favor and why.

A: My dad is the biggest influence in deciding what shoes I get to wear. The type of shoes that I prefer running in are Brooks. Brooks are supportive and comfortable shoes that I enjoy running in.

Q: Briefly describe for us your pre-race preparation (physical, mental) on the day of a race.

A: Before a race, I make sure to drink a lot of fluids and to treat it as a normal day. I usually stretch for five to 10 minutes while listening to some pump-up music.

Q: What is your favorite school subject, and why? What colleges are among your current favorites? What do you think you might want to major in at college? Is there a particular career path that interests you?

A: Chemistry interests me the most in school because I love experimenting in the lab and learning about the science of matter and phase changes. I want to major in Sports Medicine because that encompasses many different health careers.

Q: Do you participate in any other extracurricular activities at Friends’ Central? What sparked your interest in these activities?

A: I participate in Friends’ Central Chorus and I am part of many clubs as well, such as Black Student Forum. I also give tours to parents on a regular basis.

Favorite book: Holes, by Louis Sachar.

Favorite author: Jacqueline Woodson.

Favorite TV show: How To Get Away With Murder.

Favorite movie: The Incredibles.

Favorite athlete: This is a tough question for me because I have a lot of favorite athletes, but the one who I admire the most and who has the most grace is Ajee Wilson.

Favorite pre-meet pump-up song: Lean On, by Major Lazer and Dj Snake.

Favorite place to visit: “Aruba – the beaches are fantastic, the water is clear and crisp, and the food is absolutely delicious.”

Favorite pre-meet meal: “My mom’s famous spaghetti with meatballs.”

Favorite color: Ocean blue.

Person I most admire: “The person I admire the most is my lovely sister. She is a strong, independent woman who displays qualities of strength, determination and humor. When I’m down and lonely, I can always count on her to cheer me up.”

Birth date: June 10, 2000 in Philadelphia.