Athlete Spotlight: Runner Liam Elder

The Lookout Photo Editor Kaitlyn Delaney recently spoke with cross country runner Liam Elder. A graduate of Grand Ledge High School, Elder is a sophomore at LCC.

When did you begin running cross country?
“I started running cross country when I was a freshman in high school. Going in to ninth grade summer, my brother had ran. I decided to go out because I wanted to play basketball, and I went out, had a rough start to the season, got fast, ran pretty well, made varsity my freshman year, and stuck with it ever since.”

What made you want to run cross country growing up?
“My dad actually ran at the same high school I went to – so he was a big inspiration – then seeing my brothers run.”

Who is someone who inspires you, in the sport or out of it?
“All my teammates. All my teammates inspire me every day. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I’m at.”

Is there one piece of advice you have been given that sticks with you?
“Yeah, to quote, it is ‘If you don’t believe in yourself, who will?’ It sticks with me because you do have your teammates, you have these other people. But if you don’t believe in yourself, who really will? Who really knows you? Who’s really going to believe in you?”

Do you have any personal or team goals for the rest of the season?
“Team goals, really. To win nationals. We kind of just go day to day, but big goal: win nationals. Individually, to place as high as I can, but the main focus is winning nationals as a team.”

Do you have any moments from running in high school or LCC that stand out?
“After our first meet this year. We were all cooling down together, running together, playing music, just laughing, and having a good time because we had a solid meet. But it’s just all being together, being with that team after having a good race. Definitely one of my favorite memories.”

Do you have any pre-run routines?
“Stay hydrated, I guess. I do my stretches, kind of just lock in, focus in.”

What are your plans after LCC?
“I don’t know where I’m going to go, but I do plan to continue running. I’ve got a few schools in mind. But I just plan to be successful in everything I do.”