East County Athlete of the Week: Olivia Spiegel

Olivia Spiegel is a junior on the Lakewood Ranch High girls cross country team. Spiegel finished 30th overall (19:58.20) at the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 4A state meet in 2022 as a sophomore. The 2023 cross country season kicks off Aug. 27 with the Jim Ryun Invitational in Lakeland. 

When did you start running cross country?

I started taking it seriously as a freshman. Before high school I used it as a way to stay in shape for soccer. But as a freshman I decided to try out for the team and I fell in love with the sport, as well as my teammates and my coach (Rae Ann Darling Reed). I decided that I was good at it because I kept getting progressively better. Now I've stopped playing soccer to focus on cross country and track and field. 

What is the appeal to you?

It's an outlet to get rid of all my stress and all the thoughts in my head. Because I run with my teammates, whom I love, I put everything in my heart out there and I just go.

What is your preferred running sport?

I like cross country the most. It's one race. You get it over with. You don't have to be anxious waiting for multiple races. I also think distance is my preferred type of running. I have more endurance than speed. And I like running on all the different terrains. 

What is your favorite memory?

Running at the state meet last season. The team was mostly seniors and we were so happy to be racing together. My teammate Addison Shea and I, we were able to push each other. It helped us throughout the whole thing. 

What was your focus this offseason?

Building my endurance as much as possible. I was running 10 miles a bunch. I wanted to get that distance under my belt. I know the speed will come with time. I just wanted to make sure I was getting in the miles I needed to perform the way I want this season. 

What are your goals for the season?

The big goal is to get a sub-19 minute time. I'd be happy with any low-19 minute time, but if I could get sub 19, that would be amazing. 

What is your favorite food?

Sushi. I love Japanese cuisine. Hand me a plate of sushi from anywhere and I'll eat it. 

What is your favorite TV show?

"Gossip Girl." I grew up in New York City, so that's home to me, and I just love the show. (Spiegel moved to Lakewood Ranch prior to her freshman season.)

What are your hobbies?

I hang out with my friends and go to the beach with them. I love the ocean. I like to shop and hang out with my family. And I walk my dog, Bailey. She's a Havanese. 

What is your favorite school subject?

Math. I'm taking calculus this year. It's a little challenging but I love to be challenged. 

Which superpower would you pick?

I might choose time travel. I could go back in the past and into the future, to see where everyone ends up. I think that would be cool. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Trust the process. Eventually, I will reach my goals. Running challenges you physically and mentally. Knowing that, you have to trust that you have a plan. It is motivating in the toughest times. 

Finish this sentence: "Olivia Spiegel is … "

Determined. Whether it is running, school, maintaining relationships, studying, I'm always determined to push myself and to be better.