Talia Mamaysky: Amherst College - XC/Track

Riverdale Review: How long have you been playing your sport?  

Talia Mamaysky: Since 9th grade. 

RR: Who has been your greatest inspiration or role model during your athletic career? 

TM: At first, my inspiration was the seniors on the team, but it kind of changed every year. As a freshman, there were three senior captains who I really admired, and watching them I would always imagine what kind of captain I would become

RR: What are you most looking forward to about continuing your athletic career at Amherst? 

TM: Being on a team. It’s really special to have a team of people who are always there for each other and share a love for running. The team at Amherst seems really close. Living on campus, they can spend a lot of time together outside of practice.

RR: Were there ever moments when you doubted yourself and your athletic talent? If so, what did or do you do to get past those doubts? 

TM: In track, you always have a time goal or a goal to place in a race. Before you do it you never know if you can, but you always know it’s going to be really difficult. So I feel like I always doubt myself at least a little, but I know that if there’s a possibility I can do something great I should give myself that opportunity. I try to trust my training, and if I can’t take confidence from the work I’ve put in, I know I need to make an adjustment going forward.