Enjoy this candid interview with Elizabeth Flatley of Brookfield Central. As a Sophomore, she led her team to a State Championship in Cross-Country with her 7th place personal finish. Continuing on her successes, she posted the 3rd fastest indoor time in the State this Spring for the 1600 Meter Run in 5:11.77.
Tell me about when you first got into running.
I first started running as a 6th grader on the Wisconsin Hills Middle School cross country team. I decided I wanted to try something new since I had been swimming since I was 7. I ended up really enjoying cross country & track and decided to keep going forward with it in middle school and high school.
What person or people have been most influential to your running success?
My family has definitely been the most influential to my running. They are extremely supportive and really push me to do well. As a freshman, I was able to train with my sister Margaret (now a freshman at the University of Washington in St. Louis) the summer before and she really pushed me and kept me going on those long hard runs. She is a super hard worker and always pushes herself in everything she does and I look up to her for that.
What is your favorite event to run in (could be an event in either track or cross country)?
Although I love racing on the track, my favorite event is probably a cross country race. I love the different terrain that my team and I get to race on!
What is your favorite workout to run?
I love doing track workouts! I think they are a lot of fun because you get to have a mix of both speed and endurance.
What do you find to be the most beneficial workout to run? (not necessarily your favorite)
I think hills are very helpful, especially for cross country. They aren't easy but they give you the strength needed for those harder courses.
If you could win any race in your running career (high school, college or beyond), which would you choose?
I think that every runner dreams of winning the Olympics! That sure is a dream of mine too!
Who is your running hero and why?
My running idol has always been Bernard Lagat. He continues to amaze me with his record breaking performances every year. Watching him is such a pleasure because he always has such an amazing kick at the end of every race!
If you could attain any 1 goal in your high school running career, what would it be?
I would want to shoot for a medal at the state meet. The past two years in cross country I have missed out of the podium so I definitely want to reach that goal before I graduate.
What's your favorite sport to watch (not necessarily participate in)?
I love watching track when it’s on TV because you get to see the best of the best battle it out. I also love watching football. Can't miss a Sunday game of the Packers J.
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
My favorite subject in school is science, specifically chemistry. I have a lot of fun doing experiments and seeing what the end results are.
If you could watch just one Olympic event this summer, what would it be?
I would watch the marathon! The trials itself were very exciting on both the men and women’s side. I can't wait to watch my favorite female athletes battle for a medal in London!
What's 1 song you listen to before your races to get ready to run your best?
I always listen to "Lose Yourself" by Eminem because it gets me pumped up and excited to race!