One mile left in senior Arin Rice’s high school career. Rice knows her competition and is ready to win after months of physical and mental preparation. As Rice takes the lead in the final 200 meters, she trusts she’ll take the gold and break the state record, what she doesn’t know is someone else can do it, too.
Rice competed in the UIL state track and field meet May 10, winning gold in the 800m and silver in the 1600m. Rice beat the state record by five seconds, broke a new area record and became the eighth fastest 1600 runner in the nation.
“I just know I can win sometimes,” Rice said. “I felt the same way before the 1600, and I did run an amazing time. I didn’t think someone else could run that fast too in that field. “
Rice ran the 800m at 6:25 p.m. with a finishing time of 2:12.99 followed by a delay due to rainfall and lightning causing the 1600m to be run at 11:15 p.m.
“It was as long stressful day, but the delay actually had a positive effect on me. I had a little more recovery time,” Rice said. “In the 1600 we came through the 800 really fast, I knew we were going to break the record. I just didn’t know we were going to break it by that much.”
Rice timed in at 4:49.08 qualifying her to run the Adidas Grand Prix Dream Mile. The Adidas Grand Prix is one of the top track and field events in the world featuring dozens of international superstars. The race will be held in New York City at the Icahn Stadium Saturday, May 25 broadcast live on NBC at noon CST. The website Flotrack (http://www.flotrack.org/adidasgoldenstripes/) will air the dream mile at 2 p.m. CST.
The race is a made up more than two dozen of the top high school athletes in the country.
“I’m really honored, “Rice said. “I’ve never been to a race this big, and I know there a lot of amazing runners. I’m definitely nervous but I am confident in my training and preparation.”
Rice received her ninth and tenth state medals at the state UIL track and field meet. Surprising as it may seem Rice actually quit track her freshman year after the district meet. Rice returned to cross country and track as a sophomore and finished with her final two races at this year’s state meet.
“I learned to love it because I was so competitive and loved to win,” Rice said.
Rice plans to continue her running career at Texas Christian University. While at TCU Rice hopes to participate in the Olympic trials. Rice said she is grateful for support from her family and for girls track coach Ray Baca pushing her to become stronger.
“I finished my high school career out well, but it’s not exactly how I wanted it,” Rice said. “It’s been good while it’s lasted. Now on to the next.”
