East County Athlete of the Week: Savannah Adams

Savannah Adams is a sophomore on the Lakewood Ranch High track and field team. Adams won the girls 800 meter run (2:31.44) at the 2023 Charlotte Invitational, held March 3 at Charlotte High.

When did you start in track and field?

I joined the program this year after hearing about it from my friends and my sister (Madie Adams, a junior), who said it was so much fun. But I have been running forever with my family, probably since I was 4 years old, so I brought that experience with me. 

What is your initial impression of the sport?

I didn't realize how great the track community is. I thought it would be competitive, and it is, but we also have a lot of fun together and everyone supports each other. It's honestly uplifting being part of it.

What is your favorite event?

The only one I have run so far is the 800, so it has to be that right now. But I'm also practicing for the 4x400 meter relay and the javelin throw. I'll do whatever my coaches want me to do, whether that's discus or short sprints or the longer mile. 

What were your expectations at the Charlotte meet?

I looked at the competitors beforehand and figured I had a shot. I just told myself I would go out and work my hardest and do the best I can do. If I placed, that was great. If not, that was OK too. It ended up going well.

What are your goals for the season?

Now that I've seen I have the ability, I'm going to push myself even further. I always want to have better times and to be in faster heats against the best runners. 

What is your favorite food?

I will never say no to shrimp Alfredo. 

What is your favorite TV show?

I watch each episode of "Survivor" with my family. It's a tradition. 

Which superpower would you pick?

I think I would pick the ability to fly because it would let me see things from a different perspective. 

What are your hobbies?

I play a lot of soccer and I like to do outdoor things with my family. My parents (Jamie and Leslie Adams) try to get the family doing anything physical, like tennis, longboarding or biking. 

What is your favorite school subject?

Math. I find it the most logical. You learn a pattern and you apply it to different problems. 

What is the best advice you have received?

It is better to try and fail than to fail to try. I used to be scared to try new things. It was my dad (Jamie Adams) who pushed me into different stuff by saying, 'What's the worst that can happen?' It allowed me to experience things I wouldn't otherwise, like track. 

Finish this sentence: "Savannah Adams is … "

Competitive. I like to joke around but I also like to push people and if I'm ever in a competition in anything, I want to win. I get mad if I don't. I have to try my hardest.