Athlete of the Week: Melissa Barrett, Northmont High School

Grade: Senior

Age: 18

Sport: Track and field

Claim to fame/honors: Team’s top 800-meter runner; state qualifier as a junior

Bet you didn’t know … I played the clarinet for six years

Words I live by: There’s always going to be someone better than you.

Toughest opponent: All the girls in the 800-meter run at regionals my junior year

Biggest influence: My friends, because they inspire me to work hard.

Meet-day rituals: I envision myself running my race, and I listen to music while warming up.

What’s on your bedroom walls? Nothing hangs on my walls.

When I’m bored I like to … watch Netflix.

Favorite movie: Get Out.

Favorite TV show: Veep.

Favorite musical artist: SHINee.

I can’t live without: Honey barbecue hot wings

I can live without: Bugs invading my space

Event you’d like to attend: BTS Concert

Favorite book: American Girls by Allison Umminger

Favorite home-cooked meal: Mackerel and rice

Favorite restaurant: Fusion

Favorite smell: Vanilla

Favorite cereal: Honey Bunches of Oats

Store where you’d like a shopping spree: American Eagle

Vegetable you won’t eat: Okra.

I’d love to trade places for a day with … Zendaya

Whose mind would you like to read? Nobody. If I read someone’s mind, I’d probably learn things I didn’t want to know.

Place where you’d love to travel? Jamaica

Talent you’d like to have? Dancing

Favorite school subject: AP Human Geography

Favorite athlete: Serena Williams.

Favorite Olympic sport: Track and field

Something in the world I’d like to change: I’d like it if people were more aware of how their actions can affect others.

Favorite sports moment: Qualifying for state my junior year

Favorite junk food: Sour Gummy Worms.

Best thing about track: Cheering on my friends during their races.

In 10 years, I hope to be … out of college, living in my own house. Hopefully I will have a successful job.

Nominate an Athlete of the Week: Send an email to freelance writer Dave Lamb at d_lamb@msn.com. Please include the athlete’s name, school, sport and a phone number or email address where we can reach that athlete. Please include Athlete of the Week in the subject line.