TrackTown USA (summer 2025)
Between my sophomore and junior years, I interned with TrackTown USA in Eugene, in a media relations and writing position. I helped build media spaces, distribute credentials and assist media for several events, including the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships and The Prefontaine Classic. I also ran a 400m time that was only eight seconds slower than high school (and paid for it the rest of the week).
What I loved, though, was the feature work I did. I told three stories in particular that I'm passionate about. Here they are:
Photo: Taylor Sims/Black Women Photographers
A story about twin brothers who joke about death and winning a state title. It starts with a bloody knee and a "horrible, s--t time." I sat with his family before the meet, and then with his mom and brothers in the stands as he ran. I met him underneath Hayward Field after the race. Published June 23, 2025.
A story about inspiration. It starts with a college student who hears a train. I talked to both designers in order to wrap their stories into one theme. Published June 17, 2025.
A story about being a gladiator. It starts with a Paralympic gold medalist leaning against a fence at Hayward Field, looking up at a huge version of himself. I leaned with him on that fence, and wrote the story that night. Published July 28, 2025.