Salute To Seniors: Samuel Nelson (American Fork)


  • What was your most memorable race moment?
Getting tripped and trampled in the first 100 meters at Footlocker West in 2019 when they did it on the asphalt because of the rain. I got cut and bruised pretty badly but I got back up and finished the race.
  • Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Every year there has of course been a team that my team is trying to beat or an individual I'm trying to stay with and pass. But I'd say my best supportive competition has been my teammates, we have always pushed each other to be better and helped each other reach our goals. 
  • What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment individually has definitely been earning All-State in the 1600 with a 4:16, it was a goal that I have been working towards for a long time and having it happen was a dream come true. My biggest accomplishment with my team has been helping AF win RXC in the Fall and breaking the National record for fastest 5k team average. We worked so hard as a team to make it to NXN and with it being canceled because of Covid was a big blow. To be able to make the best out of that hard situation by finding RXC was a miracle! 

  • If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If I could do it again I would focus more on living in the moment. There were times when I would get all caught up in the future and worrying about my next race, instead of taking a moment to breathe and enjoy running with amazing and hard working friends. 
  • What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The hardest thing for me to overcome in running was asthma. I was diagnosed with asthma when I was two and it has taken me a long time to develop my lungs to the point where I could run and race fast. I haven't ever grown out of it but I've found ways to work through it and to not use it as an excuse. 
  • What will you miss the most?
The thing I'm going to miss the most is definitely running with the team. There has always been something special about working together to improve. I'll definitely miss all of our crazy conversations and random excursions. 
  • What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Enjoy every minute and stress less about what others think. Set achievable goals and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Know when to push hard and when to take it easy and never give up on your dreams. 
  • What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach has taught me to push myself and set big goals. He has encouraged me to work hard in school and to keep track of improvements. 

  • What are your college plans?
I will be serving an LDS mission for 2 years and then go to college. I am talking with a couple different schools right now so my college running plans are TBA. 
  • Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
My mom and dad, my family, Coach Mostert, the AFXC boys and girls, the Zooming Guys, all of Utah's epic runners and Chocolate Milk. 
  • Is there anything else you'd like to add?
"Be excellent to each other, and party on dudes!" - Bill S. Preston, Esq.