Q&A With Chanelle Price, USA Track & Field

By: MENTOR

In Real Life

As the school year winds down and summer approaches, we’re sharing stories about how positive mentoring relationships support a healthy lifestyle through physical activity. Track star Chanelle Price, an American middle-distance runner, shows us how the mentors in her life have inspired and encouraged her to get active.

 

Chanelle Price (right) with her mentor, Hazel Clark (left)

Q: Tell us about a mentor in your life who inspired you to play your sport.

A: Track has been a part of my life since I was 9 years old. My parents got me involved in a track team when I was young. I met my first mentor in college, Hazel Clark. She was training as a professional runner when I was attending the University of Tennessee. She guided me both as a woman and a person. She helped me realize that I was more than an athlete. With ups and downs on and off the track, she helps me keep perspective. We talk every day!

Q: Why do you think mentoring is important?

A: Every kid just needs someone to turn to. It is so easy to feel alone, and every kid needs someone to talk to about issues. Everyone needs someone to trust and open up to, someone who allows you to be your authentic self with; a mentor is not going to judge you, but they have your best interests at heart.  Mentors are so important to just guide you to get you on the right track, to inspire you to eat better and exercise. My mentor will tell me what I need to hear, not just what I want to hear.

Q: How do you like to get active?

A: Of course running, but getting active for me can be as easy as getting outside and going for a walk or going to a Zumba class at my local gym. Starting your day with exercise is something you think could be draining, but really it gives you more energy. It’s important for youth to understand this, especially when everything is about computers and iPhones these days. When I was growing up we played outside and we need to get back to that. Everything is a balance though! I wasn’t allowed to play sports unless my grades were on par.

Q: How did your mentor encourage you to get active?

A: Growing up, my big brother was my mentor and seeing him play sports made me want to do it also! I was kind of a tomboy and just wanted to follow in his footsteps. Joining a sports team was a way to make friends, and track did that for me. Running is awesome, but it’s the people you meet along the way that are important! They are going to be your friends for life and that’s what matters more than the sport.

Q: Why do you think it is important for youth to understand physical health and getting active?

A: It stimulates your brain! There have been studies that show if you’re active you will do better in the classroom. What we put into our bodies and how we take care of them is so important. It is important to understand and learn how to live a healthy lifestyle.

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