June 22, 2012
Arizona track and field high jumper Brigetta Barrett has high hopes of becoming a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. With four-consecutive track and field championship titles under her belt, her experience and talent has led up to this moment.
A year ago this summer, Barrett was a part of both the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships and World University Games. Going into trials, taking place June 28 to June 30, Barrett feels prepared.
"This year it has been hard to think about being prepared." Barrett said. To combat the feeling that I need to do more, I remind myself that I'm prepared. Knowing for myself that all of my experiences has prepared me for this moment is enough preparation."
Barrett is currently tied for the second-best high jump in the country with a clearance of 6-4.75. Performance wise, the NCAA champion has expectations for herself heading into the trials.
"All I want to do is go in knowing I can do better and jump higher than I ever had." Barrett said. "I am a defending champion. It's my crown and I know there's someone who wants to get it back."
Barrett acknowledges that her main goal during the meet is to give it her best from the moment she steps in the jumping pit.
"Knowing that I have tried my best will be an accomplishment in itself," said Barrett. "Nothing but good can happen."
Furthermore, Barrett wants to jump at least a 6-6, which would allow her to end the trials with a personal best.
The top three finishers in the event will become members of the U.S. team and compete in the London games.
"I would be extremely grateful to God and ecstatic to make the team," Barrett said. "But it would be what I have always expected of myself. It would be like doing what I know I should have."
The Duncanville, Texas native has had dreams of being a jumper for the U.S. Olympic team since her junior year in high school. She qualified for trials, but did not attend.
Having competed at Hayward Field, Brigetta feels as though it's a great location for her to jump.
"Making a dream become a reality is scary, but fulfilling," Barret said. "The hard part is always the process of making a dream become reality. I'm here now and it's a great feeling to know I have taken the right steps. It's a blessing."
Barrett believes her experience in the last two years as a member of the Arizona Track & Field team is going to help her tremendously in the trials.
"The experience, exposure and ability to handle pressure at championships and big meets is very good experience." Barrett said. "It doesn't scare my opponents that I have this experience, but it forces them to realize that they have to bring their all because I perform when I need to."
Barrett believes that aside from experience and skill, having support is more motivation to remain focused.
"I have a lot of great support from people who have been there in the good and bad," Barrett said. "Knowing that people are cheering for you is motivation in itself. I'm jumping for more than myself; I'm jumping for everyone."
In addition to celebrating her career by competing in the Olympic trials, Barrett was recently named a semifinalist for one of the most prestigious track and field awards: The Bowerman.
"Besides an award being a label, what would it mean if I won or lost? I'll still be Brigetta," Barrett said. "It's a prestigious award, and I am honored but it doesn't define me or validate me as an athlete."
Heading into the trials next week, Barrett knows that she is not only physically prepared, but also mentally.
"This experience is cool because people look at me as a representation of not only America but God, family, my hometown, and the University of Arizona." Brigetta said. "It's an honor to be in this position, and I am full of pride."
