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Sapong off to 5th world champs appearance
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Posted on Sep 05 2019
Sapong
Zarinae Sapong will be representing the CNMI to the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar.
Sapong will race in the 100m qualifying run of the competition that will be held from Sept. 27 to Oct. 6 at the Khalifa International Stadium.
“It’s a huge responsibility to represent the CNMI and although at times it can be nerve wrecking, the support I get from home only makes me that more determined to improve,” she said.
The sprinter, who is no stranger to high-level competitions, such as the World Championships, said that she works on strength training and mastering form techniques to prepare for her event.
“Besides the Oceania Championships, the Micronesian Games, and the Pacific Games, I have been to four other World Championship competitions, this is inclusive of the World Youth and World Indoor Championships. Doha will be the fifth World Championship that I get to compete in. We’re about four weeks out so our sessions are focused on strength training and form technique,” she said.
Sapong explained that she was chosen through a selection process that began six months prior to the tournament date.
“The coaches decided on potential candidates by observation of the athletes’ season best and their commitment to training,” the Micronesian Games gold medalist said
When asked what her hopes are for joining these kinds of competitions, Sapong said she strives to encourage other youth to get active so they too can compete internationally.
“I hope that my experience encourages wellness amongst our youth so that they can also have the opportunity to compete and be ambassadors of the CNMI,” she said.
Sapong added female athletes she met through international competitions inspires her to do her best and keep improving.
“Majority of my inspiration comes from the female athletes that I meet during our Oceania Area Championships. Seeing women from the other islands competing at such high levels is always amazing. They observe the same values and morals that reflect those of the CNMI and having that sense of familiarity only makes their accomplishments that more admirable. It motivates me to continue to train hard,” she said.
