Mehlum Anjarwala
senior
Hinsdale
When did you first start running?
I started running in seventh grade. Basically, when I was a lot younger, like fifth or sixth grade, I was playing baseball and basketball. It was apparent I was pretty fast. Everyone said, 'You should try out for track.' I went down and took a shot at it.
What do you enjoy most about the sport?
I really enjoy competing. I love, whether it's a meet or practice, showing up every day and going at it against my teammates and other schools. It's a relaxing part of my day where I let all the stress out and compete and have fun.
What example do you try to set for younger teammates?
Really it's just consistency at practice every day. Track has a lot of boring stuff. Especially as sprinters, we need to warm up tediously every day, push ups and stretching. Even the little things that we don't love to do outside of the workout we have to do well, and we have to do it every day. Doing the small things well every day is the example I try to show.
Do you have any pre-meet rituals or routines?
I'm usually very quiet, especially on the bus ride. I'll close my eyes and do deep breathing, just try to calm myself down as much as possible.
What is your goal for the season?
Personally I'd like to run sub-50 in the 400 and I'd hopefully like to compete at state individually in the 400 as well as a relay. I hope as a team we rack up all the points and end up taking home the state title.
How do you balance sports and academics?
It's really about being consistent with yourself every day and working as hard as you can.
What are your plans for the fall?
I'll be going pre-med and studying kinesiology (school yet to be decided). I eventually want to become an orthopaedic surgeon.
Why does coach Jim Westphal like having Anjarwala on the team?
Mehlum is a leader in both the classroom and in the athletic arena. His hard work and commitment set the tone for our program. Mehlum is positive and supportive of all of his teammates and is always willing to help out the younger athletes.
- profile by Pamela Lannom, photo by Jim Slonoff
