April 8, 2010

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Kierra Foster has never been a stranger to success. From conference, regional and national titles in high school to All-American honors in college, it's no surprise that Foster has her sights set on medaling in the 2012 London Olympics.

In order to make that dream a reality, Foster is living and training at the United States Olympic Training Center in San Diego along with 40 to 50 other track & field athletes. Each has one goal in mind: to represent the United States in the upcoming Olympics. However, Foster's path to London began years ago in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Foster's high school track resume was full of accomplishments, ranging from winning five events in one conference championship to becoming a national high jump champion. With her success in Florida, many expected Foster to stay close to home and attend a major track program in the area. She surprised many of her supporters when she chose to attend the University of Maryland.

"I came one weekend in October and it was the coldest I had ever felt," said Foster. "I really wanted something new and exciting, outside of Florida. It was just an all-around good school for me to go to."

Needless to say, the Terrapins happily accepted Foster's commitment. Once she arrived on campus, she immediately made an impact with the track and field program. Originally recruited as a hurdler, Foster set a school record in the 60-meter hurdles in her very first season and went on to top the time later that year. Coaches focused on her hurdling and were unaware of her long jump accolades from high school.

"They didn't even know I long jumped, so I mentioned it in practice one day," said Foster, laughing as she recalled the discussion. "I told them I was a long jump champion and they laughed. When they realized it was true, Coach Goodman took me under his wing and taught me a lot of new techniques."

Foster went on to place second in the Eastern College Athletic Conference long jump as a freshman. In her first outdoor season, she set a Maryland record in the long jump. She would top her own school record several more times before graduating from Maryland.

"My biggest accomplishment at Maryland was being named an All-American in my junior and senior seasons," said Foster. "It's one thing to do well, but it's on a different level when you're able to do well and stay at that level."

Despite being named an All-American in high school, the honors in college meant a lot more to Foster because of the increased competition.

"High school track wasn't as challenging," said Foster. "It was more of a hobby in high school and a sport in college. It was definitely more meaningful to be named an All-American in college."

Following her graduation, Foster actually decided to take some time off and stop competing for a period of time. After a short hiatus from track, her path led her to the Olympic Training Center, where she currently resides.

"Any athlete who wants to be great without interruption would love it here," said Foster. "I really, really like it here and there are several other athletes from Maryland, mainly some girls who played field hockey in college. There are athletes here training in so many different sports."

The complex provides aspiring Olympians proper facilities and training so they can one day represent the United States in major competitions. There are only 66 beds at the complex, but dozens of other athletes train there on a regular basis.

"As a professional, you have to push yourself every day," said Foster. "From now until then, I just need to get in top shape and improve my rank. Every day I'm training, the Olympics are on my mind."

Foster is not shy about her goals of becoming an Olympian in two years. She has put herself in an excellent position to do so and has the right attitude to help achieve that goal.

"By the time they come, I definitely want to make the team and medal at the Games. As a professional, you have to push yourself so you're not just a competitor. You're getting your name in the record books."

To follow Kierra Foster's track career or to offer your support and encouragement, go to www.TheKeyFactor.blogspot.com to view her very own blog or follow her at www.twitter.com/TheKeyFactor.