Helmsman staff reporter Alisa Gardner talks this week with Memphis women’s track team member Kameilah Amaya, a standout junior thrower from Carbondale, Ill.
Amaya, who finished sixth earlier this month at the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Ark., says there’s more to being a standout athlete than just sweating.
AG: How do you think your season is going so far?
KA: This season has started out on a low note. I have been going to shoulder therapy. An ambulance hit my car.
AG: What would you say is the most interesting thing about you?
KA: Well everybody knows that I am a thrower on the track team, but I would have to say the most interesting thing is that I am an athlete, but I always try to look my best — even when I am competing.
AG: Who is your biggest inspiration?
KA: Jesus, because he endured many struggles just like we do everyday. He sacrificed his life for us.
AG: If there was anything you could be doing besides competing in track what would it be?
KA: I would love to be an actress on T.V. or a super-plus model.
AG: What are your future plans and goals?
KA: I plan to finish my master’s degree in education and pursue further education so I can become an English professor. I would also like to dabble in pharmaceutical sales.
AG: What is your favorite color?
KA: My favorite color is black because it needs no other color to go along with it. Black is fine all by itself.
AG: What is something you would want everyone to know about you?
KA: I would want them to know that I am a big kid. I love to play games. It is not all about being serious sometimes.
AG: If there was one thing in the world you could change, what would it be?
KA: I would see if I could change poverty because there is far too much money in the world for people to be poor.
AG: Considering your personality, what outfit would best describe you?
KA: One outfit to best describe me would be a pair of Prada knee boots with a black, jean skirt and a cute, black v-neck shirt. Of course a pair of silver hoop earrings, silver chain belt, silver bangles and a pair of misty gray Chanel sunglasses.
