For me, it's really important to be able to compete on the highest level.

I had worked so hard; that was my opportunity. And my mom was just able to turn it around for me. She helped me to be able to see the other side of things and that this is not the end for me.

There was a race that I was running in Mexico City and I was the only high school athlete running against grown women. It was a professional race, but I ended up winning. That was kind of a turning point for me where I felt like, "Okay, I'm pretty good at this and there's a possibility for this to be a career for me." That was a defining moment for me.

If I wasn't active and involved in different sports and just moving around, I wouldn't have even known that I had the potential to become an Olympian.

I was a disruptive child.

For me, my faith is the reason I run. I definitely feel I have this amazing gift that God has blessed me with, and it's all about using it to the best of my ability.

My mom is great and I make sure that we pray together before every race. She helps me put everything in perspective and remind me of the real reason I run.