Takyera Roberson talks about Alabama commitment and WAFFLESSSS


Takyera Roberson - Houston Wheatley

Over the Winter break, we caught up with Takyera and did a quick QnA with one of the top Sprinters in the State of Texas.

Texas MileSplit: Talk about the State meet last year.  You had a busy night running the 100m and then battling back to win the 400m.  Then as the night continued, you still had the 200m to conclude your busy evening.  How did you handle the physical and mental challenges to compete at a high level with those types of competitors?

Takyera I fought.  To be honest, my mind was all over the place.  I had to get my mind back from the distraction of winning and get focused on the thought that I made it this far, now finish.  All of those races were back to back and my body physically couldn't bear to run another race.  However, with all of the support I had, I continued to make my dream a reality.

Texas MileSplit: You ended the school season with new and very impressive PRs (11.6, 23.61, and 54.33) but then you go to the USA World Youth trials and drop a 53.90 in the 400m.  What was that race like and how did it feel to break 54.0?

Takyera:  At the USA World trials, my body, mind, and spirit felt so different.  The fact that I have never done anything so big in my life seemed to make everything literally go in slow motion.  I could even hear my heart beat.  So, getting on the track was even worse.  I got out there and I tried to cope and I actually ended up doing way better than I expected to do.  The race was so intense and I felt phenomenal afterwards when I ran the 53.90.


Texas MileSplit:  How did you feel at the end of the season about your accomplishments?

Takyera:  I did something that no other female athlete at my school has ever done.  I'm continuing to make history.

Texas MileSplit:  What are your goals for this upcoming season?

Takyera My goal for this year is to make it count in any way that I can.

Texas MileSplit:  So, you're an Alabama Crimson Tide commit, what was it about the program that attracted you?

Takyera:  I went on a lot of other visits and the Alabama visit was my second to last visit.  The fact that I got to choose the college that I want to go to based on comfort, feeling welcomed by teammates and coaches and the overall feel of the area....I just fell in love and I didn't want to leave there.

Texas MileSplit:  Do you have any pre meet/race rituals?  If so, what are they?

Takyera:  Ummm, rituals...nope. Once I get that "Alright, this is what you practice for", from my coach, then I go out there and my mind works like a whistle and stop watch. At track meets I remember EVERY mark and EVERY time the whistle blows at EVERY meter from practice.

Texas MileSplit:  Pancakes or waffles?

Takyera:  WAFFLESSSSSSS!!!!!

Texas MileSplit:  What is the best all time Christmas present you've received?

Takyera:  A Barbie doll dream house with a purple beamer when I was younger.  I don't have it anymore, but it was the best of all time.

Texas MileSplit: If Track and Field didn't turn out to be as much as a success for you, what would be your back up plan?

 Takyera:  My back up plan would be getting all A's and go to college educationally.  Other sports aren't fond to me unless someone else plays it.