He’s a Runner, He’s a Track Star

Name: Olivier Pham

Grade: Senior

Height: 5’10’’

Hair Color: Black

Eye Color: Brown

Date of Birth: November 28, 2003

1. How long have you been on the Stuyvesant track team?

Nearly all four years.

2. What inspired you to join the track team?

I was looking for a sport to join in freshman year, and my Big Sib suggested track. I also did track in middle school and enjoyed it, so I decided to tryout for the indoor team. Somehow, I made it on even though I was really slow back then, but joining the team was one of the best decisions I’ve made at Stuyvesant.

3. What events do you participate in? Do you have a favorite one?

I mostly do sprinting and jumping events like long jump, triple jump, and high jump. My favorite event is probably high jump because there’s a lot of technique involved in getting your center of mass over the bar. It’s also one of the most satisfying events to beat your personal best in. Right now, my PR is 5’6’’, but I’m hoping to beat it this season.

4. What is your strategy for constantly improving yourself? Do you have a specific workout routine to stay in shape?

There’s a lot more form involved with sprinting than people think. One of the things I do is have teammates take slow motion videos of my jumps or starts so I can see what I need to improve on. I don’t really have a specific workout routine, but being consistent with going to practice is a great way to stay in shape.

5. What’s one of the biggest obstacles you’ve faced while on the track team?

Over the last four years, our team cycled through six coaches, so most of the organization and training has been managed by the seniors. In junior year, we had upperclassmen meetings to plan out meets, practices, and equipment, and I think working together to lead the team brought us a lot closer together.

6. What skills and strengths are involved with being a part of the track team?

Honestly, just being naturally fast is a huge strength. Those who aren’t naturally fast, like me, have to be ready to work hard or work on technique in field events. Field events are a good way for people to specialize. If you jump higher, you might do the high jump. If you’re stronger, you might choose shot put.

7. Funniest teammate?

Max Fasano always gets the team laughing.

Favorite drink: Arizona Iced Tea or any sodas

Favorite food: Pizza

Favorite class: Probably Drafting. It was really relaxing to just draw for an entire class.

Favorite movie/TV show: “Attack on Titan” or “Breaking Bad”