Folders |
A Charging Mustang: An Interview with Angelos Karkalis
Published by
Every great runner has one, that breakout race that takes them from being very good to being great. Rolling Meadows senior Angelos Karkalis seems to have made that leap, with his breakthrough performance coming at the Illinois Prep Top Times meet this indoor season, where he beat a loaded field of talent in the 1,600m run, with a US top ten time of 4:14.95. Exceeding expectations for the season so early on, Karkalis spoke earlier this week about his indoor season, what lies ahead outdoors, how he got into the sport, and much more. Distance Gala (DG): You've had a great start to your senior season, running some very fast indoor times and winning the IPTT 1,600m event with a new PR. How do you feel after such a strong start to your season? Angelos Karkalis (AK): I am more confident, and feel like I can compete with anyone in the state. I did not expect to run this fast, this early in the season. The goal I had for the indoor season, was to run somewhere between 4:17-4:18 in the 1600-meter run. AK: My goals for the outdoor season include a 4:10 in the 1600-meter run, and a 1:53 in the 800-meter run. Then at the state meet, my goal is to place in the top three or possibly win. DG: You've had a solid track and cross country career at Rolling Meadows, but you seemed to step it up over this past winter. What do you attribute to taking that next step in your racing performances?
AK: After a very disappointing state cross-country meet, I became motivated to prove I was a better runner than what I performed. My terrible performance drove me to wake up and run on those days I felt like sleeping in. I took everyday seriously, knowing it would help me in the ‘long run’ when I needed it the most. DG: Not a lot of people know your running history. Can you tell us when and how you got started in the sport?
AK: My father was also a runner in his day, so I figured I would do it for fun in junior high school. Then high school came around and I decided to run. I just showed up the first day of high school cross-country practice, and did not know how it would turn out. Coach Voyles and Coach Schweda did a great job slowly getting me in shape with minimal injuries. At the end of my freshman year, I had ran a 4:41 for a full mile, and knew I would continue running throughout my four years at Rolling Meadows High School. DG: A lot of athletes are starting to sign with colleges and universities. Have you made your college decision yet?
AK: I have not committed to a University yet, but will shortly. DG: You, and your twin brother Photis, have been running strong together for many years. What's it been like having your brother as a teammate and training partner?
AK: Having a twin brother with the same interests and athletic abilities, makes running that much better. It is a gift to have someone always there to push you during practice and races. Quick Six
DG: Favorite band?
AK: The Killers DG: Favorite pre-race food?
AK: Noodles & Company DG: Type of car you drive?
AK: 1998 C230 Mercedes-Benz DG: Favorite professional runner?
AK: Yuriy Borzakovskiy (Russia’s 2004 Olympic gold-medalist in the 800-meter run) DG: Favorite movie?
AK: A Night at the Roxbury DG: Shoes you race in?
AK: 11 ½ neon-yellow Nike Victory spikes
|
