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Camryn Barros

The top vaulter in the state, Camryn Barros is considerably ahead of the field in 5A and will seek more hardware after a 6th place finish at the state meet in 2019. Today we get to know more about Camryn in our Getting to know New Mexico Athletes Series.

When did you first start competing in track and field, and do you recall any of your childhood competitions?

I started competing in track and field in the 7th grade. However, I started pole vaulting my sophomore year of high school.

Was there a certain moment when you realized you'd be able to compete at such a high level?

At the state meet my sophomore year is when I knew I could compete at a high level because I had grown so much as a vaulter and I was finally starting to see results.

What are some bumps in the road that you've encountered when it comes to training for different events during the season?

Some bumps that I've encountered would definitely be mental blocks in my vault. I would be too scared to even try and jump higher, eventually, I had to get over that fear in order to progress more.

How did COVID impact your training as you prepared for the season?

COVID gave me the chance to lift and train in order to get physically and mentally stronger as an athlete.

What is your favorite track venue that you have competed at?

My favorite venue I've competed at would be at the Expo Explosion in Belton, Tx.

How is the college recruiting process going, and what schools are you looking at?

The college recruiting process has been long. I've had to really look into how far I wanted to go and what I wanted to do in the future. I am currently looking into UNM and Angelo State.

Where are you going to college? If you have already committed, what made you choose them?

I have no idea where I will be going, I have a good idea but am still unsure.

Is there another track event you wish you were good at? What is appealing about it?

I wish I was good at high jump, one of my best friends high jump and it looks so intriguing.

What are some hobbies and interests you have outside of Track and Field?

I really enjoy painting and driving around blasting music with my friends.

Who is your role model, and why?

My role model is 100% my grandmother. She is the strongest person I know, no matter what she is going through she will always make sure her loved ones are doing good.

Everyone has a bucket list, so give us some of the things on your list!

Eventually, I would love to travel the world, but some other things on the bucket list would be to go skydiving, scuba diving, and bungee jump.

What is the best advice you have received?

The best advice I have received would be from my dad which was, " You can never be satisfied, it's okay to be happy when you achieve a goal but you can always do better there is always room for improvement."

What is your favorite pre-race snack, tradition, etc.?

Something I have to do before every meet is listening to "Never Say Never" by Justin Bieber I don't know why but I puts me in the mindset I need to be in, in order to jump my best.

If you could do a sport other than XC/Track, what sport would it be, and why?

I played volleyball all 4 years of high school but if I had to do another sport I would definitely try gymnastics. I find it so interesting and it seems like such a technical sport which is one of the reasons I love pile vaulting.