Gianna Dowling is one of the 2022 recipients of the LVRR Scholarship.
LVRR: What college will you attend and what is your intended major of study? Do you plan to run while at college?
GD: I will be attending the University of Delaware in the fall to study Biomedical Engineering. I plan to join the UD Club XC and Track team and in the future try out for the school team.
LVRR: What age did you start running and why?
GD: I started running in 5th grade. My mother ran track and encouraged me to try it too. I joined my school mileage club and also participated in the 5th grade track meet which sparked a love of running for me.
LVRR: What is your greatest accomplishment in your running career?
GD: My greatest accomplishment was achieving a new personal record this year in the high jump and creating a new school record for indoor track in the high jump. It was very motivating and inspirational for me to be able to reach this milestone in my life and I’m so proud that I was able to accomplish it.
LVRR: Describe an experience where you had to “sink or swim.” What did you learn from it?
GD: An experience where I had to sink or swim was when I had to fill in last minute for the 4×4 during meets. I’m primarily a shorter sprinter/jumper but when my team needed someone I always stepped up so they could succeed.
LVRR: Who has been your most influential role model and why?
GD: My most influential role model is my mom. She has been my number one supporter since day one and came to all of my meets since freshman year to cheer me on. I’ll forever be grateful for her.
LVRR: What would most people be surprised to learn about you?
GD: Something someone would be surprised to learn about me is that I also make animal balloons and face paint.
LVRR: What is one word you would say to someone who has just started running– whether it be a youth in the LVRR Kids Series, or an older individual- about why running is worth it?
GD: My coach, Coach Heidecker had a quote he used to say every day. I will take it with me for the rest of my running career and share it with the younger generations. It is “Work hard, get better”. Lots of kids think the track is all about winning and medaling but I learned that every accomplishment is just that an accomplishment and you should be proud of everything you do.
LVRR: Is anyone else in your family a runner?
GD: My mom
LVRR: Who is in your running support network?
GD: Shanice Williams, Alex Heidemann, Sydney Brown, Coach Charlie Heidecker
LVRR: What events did you run in high school?
GD: High Jump, long jump, 4x100m, 200m
LVRR: What injuries are you susceptible to?
GD: Probably more knee-related injuries because besides running I also dance so sometimes my knees give out from overuse.
LVRR: What extracurricular activities (outside of running) and community involvement have you participated in?
GD: Dancing, Singing, Band, Sunday School Teaching
