FAU senior Maisha Atkinson missed out on a good chunk of her preseason due to a back injury.
She wasn’t able to run indoor track for the first time in four years and missed a month of training.
“I went into the [high school] outdoor season cold and was really stressed out because of how I performed,” Atkinson said. “I left the my first meet in tears because obviously coming from the injury I didn’t perform my best.
“After that I just had to realize that was just my first meet back from an injury and not to expect too much from myself,” Atkinson said. “As the meets when on I just had to keep perfecting my craft and keep trying to get better. Over time I could see the times getting closer to what they should be.”
Atkinson went on to finish state runner-up in the Class 2A 400-meter dash (55.95) and swept the Palm League, Palm Beach County, district and region titles in 400. Atkinson, who was also Sun Sentinel Class 2A-1A runner of the year in 2021, placed second in the county in the 200 and won a district title in the event.
The Princeton University commit was the team captain for both the cross country and track and field team and qualified for the Nike/New Balance national qualifier in 2019, 2021, and 2022, earning an All-American title (2021). Atkinson is also the school record-holder in the 100, 200, 400, 5K, high jump, long jump, and various relays.
“This year, I am most proud of my mental state during the season,” said Atkinson, who has captured seven state medals in her four-year career. “While there were times I almost felt like quitting or didn’t see a great future for myself in running, I learned how to put mind over matter which helped me greatly. For instance, at my state meet, where I didn’t defend my title or even set a personal best as I had hoped to, I left the meet more excited to see my progress and a newfound passion for track and field. I want to keep on running and see how good I can be.”
