Track & Field

Adaptive Sports

Do you eat or drink coffee before your morning run? If so, how long do you wait before you run?

No morning coffee for this energetic runner

Hey, Greg. Thank you for the question. And I actually just finished a workout. And I had no coffee this morning. I actually never have coffee in the morning. I think I was just blessed with an amazing amount of energy. But I know coffee has helped a lot of people, but personally, I am not a coffee drinker at all ever. So no, I do not drink coffee in the morning before I run.

No, I do not drink coffee in the morning before I run.

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Hey, Greg. Thanks for asking. I just finished a workout and I didn't have any coffee this morning. I actually never have coffee in the morning because I naturally have a lot of energy. While I know coffee can be helpful for many people, I personally don't drink it at all. So, no, I don't have coffee before my morning run.

What sorts of modifications need to be made on your running leg before races/practices?

No modifications needed: The key takeaway from this runner's approach to race preparation.

Hey, Jeannie. This is a very interesting question, because I actually don't make any modifications to my blades ever. Honestly. Um, I always go to my prosthetist because I am like such a klutz. And I definitely will be the one to like mess up something right before race. So personally, I do not deal with my blades or touch them or modify them or do anything to them before. Erase before practice. If I need any modifications done, I am like straight to my prosthetist and getting the work done there. Because like I said, I am a total Klutz and I will mess something up, and I don't have time for that. So, I do not make any modifications. The biggest modification I do make is drying my stump because my stomach gets very sweaty especially at practice, when we're doing multiple reps of things, and definitely before race, if you ever seen any of my races, Has. I am always the one sitting down. Drying my leg right before the gun goes off. So no modifications over here. My model is if it's not broke, why fix it? So that's kind of where I'm at.

I don't make any modifications to my blades. If I need modifications done, I go straight to my prosthetist. The biggest modification I do make is drying my stump before race.

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I don't make any modifications to my running leg before races or practices. I prefer to leave any adjustments or modifications to my prosthetist because I tend to be a bit clumsy and don't want to risk messing something up right before an important event. If I need any modifications, I go straight to my prosthetist to get the work done. The only modification I do make is drying my stump since it tends to get sweaty, especially during practice or before a race. You'll often see me sitting down, drying my leg right before the race starts. My motto is if it's not broke, why fix it? So I prefer to keep things as they are and focus on performing my best.

What achievements are you proudest of and why?

Overcoming Obstacles: Record-Breaking and Bronze Medal Triumphs

Hi, Brett. Thank you so much for that question. I think my proudest achievement No, I'm kidding, I'm kidding. No, not my dog. Well, I am proud of him but my proudest, achievements in track. I have to. And that is my American record that I sent in the women's T 6,400 meters last year and my bronze medal in Dubai in 2019, both of those scenarios were me having to overcome just obstacles. You know, last year, coming out of the pandemic trying to compete in, after not competing in, Were, you know, a year or so. And then in 2019 and Dubai, I had a terrible blister on my stump that was going to keep me from competing. I was ready to not compete but my coach talked me down and he was like, you know what, you need to just do this and I did it and ended up getting a bronze medal. And so, both of those things, I was able to overcome the obstacles that were put in front of me and just kind of be headstrong and get it done. And look at At that amazing things happened. So I'm definitely proud of myself because I know that I can overcome anything as long as I put my mind to and put in the work. And so here we are American record. Bronze medal later and I'm very proud.

I'm proud of my American record in the women's T 6,400 meters that I set last year and my bronze medal win at the 2019 Dubai championships. Both of these achievements were made possible by overcoming obstacles such as coming out of the pandemic and a terrible blister on my stump. With determination and hard work, I was able to achieve amazing things and prove to myself that I can overcome anything.

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I'm proud of two achievements in track and field. First, setting the American record in the women's T 6,400 meters last year. It was a significant accomplishment considering the challenges of competing during the pandemic after a year of not participating in events. Overcoming those obstacles and achieving the record was a testament to my determination and resilience.

Second, winning a bronze medal in Dubai in 2019 holds a special place in my heart. Despite facing a difficult blister on my stump that almost prevented me from competing, my coach encouraged me to push through. I decided to give it my all, and it resulted in a bronze medal. This achievement showcased my ability to overcome adversity and achieve success.

Both of these accomplishments have taught me that with the right mindset and hard work, I can overcome any challenge. They serve as reminders of my strength and determination.

You’ve been the 100m champion the last 6 years you’ve competed. What continues to drive you to be the best in this event?

Unstoppable reign: 6-time 100m champ reveals driving force

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What continues to drive me to be the best in the 100m event, even after winning the championship for the past six years?

What seems normal in your sport, that is quite unusual?

Para World Parrot: Unusual but Normal - Stumps Everywhere!

Something unusual that is actually very normal in the para World parrot. Rock world are stumps, sun's out, stumps out type of thing, you know, if it's really, really hot, you will see a lot of stumps everywhere. You look, people are drying, their stems people are making sure legs aren't flying off. And, you know, we just always have our stumps out because when it's hot, you got to make sure those things are dry or your legs will come off.

In the para world, it is very normal to have stumps out when it is hot to ensure that the legs of the parrot don't fly off.

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In the para world of parrot rock climbing, something that may seem unusual but is actually quite normal is the presence of stumps. When the sun is out and the temperature is high, you will see many climbers drying their stumps and ensuring their prosthetic legs are secure. It's a common sight to have our stumps out in order to keep them dry and prevent any mishaps with our prosthetics.

How have your goals evolved throughout your career?

From Selfish to Selfless: Runner's Evolving Career Goals

Hi, Sam. That is a really great question because I think when I first started running my goals were more selfish and I was thinking more about myself, but I think as time went on my goals, have become more selfless and I'm now running to motivate. And to inspire. Of course, I still have my own goals and the things that I do, but I feel like I have a bigger purpose now and so, yeah.

My running goals have evolved from being more selfish to now being more selfless and focused on motivating and inspiring others.

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Throughout my career, my goals have evolved significantly. Initially, my goals were more self-centered and focused on personal achievements. However, as time went on, my perspective shifted, and my goals became more selfless.

Now, my primary motivation is to run in order to motivate and inspire others. While I still have my own individual goals and aspirations, I feel a greater sense of purpose in using my running to make a positive impact on others.

This shift in mindset has allowed me to find deeper fulfillment and meaning in my career, as I strive to not only achieve personal success but also to uplift and encourage those around me.

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Femita Ayanbeku is an American Paralympic sprinter of Haitian and Nigerian descent. She is a World bronze medalist and has competed at the 2016 and 2020 Summer Paralympics. In 2003, she was involved in a car accident that resulted in the amputation of her right leg. She was introduced to track and field by Jerome Singleton and his coach Sherman Hart. She qualified for the 2016 and 2020 Paralympics in the 100m and 200m, but was unable to compete in the finals of the 2020 games due to a positive COVID-19 test.