Milo Rios, a junior from El Paso Eastlake, proved that no matter the age of the school, the real talent come from the athlete. Milo is a junior at El Paso Eastlake, a school that was opened in 2010.With only three performances this season, he already has the #1 jump in the state. This past weekend, he cleared 6-9.5, which is the current TX #1 and US #5. We got a chance to speak with him and see what it takes to be the #1 High Jumper in the state. Check out his interview below.
Texas MileSplit: How does it feel to have the #1 record for High Jump in the State as well as the US #5 record?
Milo Rios: High jump has always been my passion, and I'm happy and proud that I'm finally making a name for myself with it. I feel like my hard work is finally paying off, but I'm still not where I want to be yet.
Texas MileSplit: How did you prepare for the Track season this year?
Milo Rios: Over the summer I was a part of the football workouts as well as doing double after those intense workouts. Also, this was the first year I was actually a part of the track off-season rather than playing basketball which I've done in the past.
Texas MileSplit: What goals do you have for this season?
Milo Rios: The goal has always been to reach 7ft. The other goals include winning state and ultimately putting my school and hometown of El Paso on the map.
Texas MileSplit: If you could change one thing from your performances this season so far, what would it be and why?
Milo Rios: Rather than coming in at 6'2, tiring myself out and risking injury, I wish I had come in at 6'4 in order to save my energy and efforts to jump higher in crucial situations.
Texas MileSplit: Who or what inspires you to keep getting better at High Jump?
Milo Rios: Ultimately who inspires me is my family. My younger brother and sister have always looked up to me as I am a lot older than they are. I always strive to set an example and be a positive role model for them.
Texas MileSplit: Have you started looking at colleges, and if so do you have any schools that you are leaning towards?
Milo Rios: There are a few schools I am really interested in such as Texas Tech, Oregon, UT Austin and UTEP. It would be a blessing to have the privilege to attend any University that is willing to consider me as a prospect. I would be extremely grateful and fully committed to any school that gives me an opportunity to compete at the next level.
Texas MileSplit: Since your sophomore year, you have been consistently jumping over 6 feet. What is your secret to your great performances?
Milo Rios: My coaches have always pushed me beyond my limit, and even if I couldn't reach a certain height they still pushed me to attempt it and eventually get over. This has become a routine with every single height that I attempt to achieve.
Texas MileSplit: Do you have anything that you do before every meet?
Milo Rios: Before every meet, I have a moment of clarity. I clear my mind on any other thoughts and focus on my technique and essentially getting over the bar no matter the height. This ritual has been something that I've always done and helps me relax and ease my nerves.
FUN QUESTIONS
Texas MileSplit: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Milo Rios: My
superpower would be telekinesis because if I know what you're thinking before
you do it in any situation I always win.
Texas MileSplit: What is your favorite "cheat" meal?
Milo Rios: Every
meal is a cheat meal for me but my ultimate favorite meal is Hot Wings.
