Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Madison Muller

Madison Muller has done the unprecedented. The Riverview sophomore blew past the field at the FHSAA Class 4A-Region 3 cross country championship on Nov. 15 with a 16:50.4 finish. That time represents a new course record at North Port in the girls' 5K. It also qualifies as the fourth-fastest clocked by a female high school runner in the cross-country 5K, per flrunners.com. Muller won by over 25 seconds, and as a whole, the Rams finished second among 16 teams. They'll compete in the 4A state championship at 9 a.m. on Nov. 22 in Tallahassee's Apalachee Regional Park. Muller is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

When and why did you start running?

I mainly started running because I played lacrosse. I've played lacrosse since I was in first grade, and my parents were like, "You need more conditioning," so I got into track in middle school. I started running the mile and the 800, and then into eighth grade, I was like, "What if we try cross country?" We found a really great program in Tampa called The Bayshore Project, and they really got me. I did three races, a little 3K at (Holloway Park in Lakeland), and I loved it. Then I started (with Riverview) in ninth grade.

What do you love most about cross country?

I love how much it clears my mind. After I go for a run, I feel like I can just think better. It makes me just feel awesome when I run. I have a different feeling, and it's really liberating just to get out and go for a run. Then, I also love all the girls here, and that's the main reason I've stuck with it since last year, because I just love my teammates.

What has been the highlight of your running career so far?

Probably this weekend, it was really awesome. It's been a while since the girls' team has qualified for states, and to know I was a big part of that was just really awesome. It was just a great experience. Everyone's been super happy.

What were your goals entering your sophomore season with Riverview?

My goal was to break 17:15.00 this year (in the 5K). I did not think I would make it under 17, so I'm very happy that I did that.

Now that states are coming up, what's your focus been in practice this week to prepare for that top competition?

We started in June, so we've done all the work leading up to it. Just don't injure yourself this week. Stay healthy, drink water, recover and just get ready for a big Saturday.

When you're not running, how do you spend your free time?

I love to just hang out with my friends, go to the beach and I love to read. I also play lacrosse almost every weekend and it's really fun.

What's one quote or bit of wisdom you once heard that's always stuck with you?

Just keep believing in yourself. People tell me that all the time. You've done all the work, it's more just mentally. You're there (and) you're ready.

If you could meet any professional athlete, who would it be and why?

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. She is very, very cool. Also Parker Valby. I would love to meet either one of them.

If you could go anywhere in the world right now for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

I'd probably go to Greece. I've never been out of the country, but it just looks beautiful there. I'd love to go visit.

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose and why?

Flight, because you don't have to deal with all the traffic. There's just never-ending traffic here.

What's your favorite meal?

Steak, specifically a filet (mignon), and then mashed potatoes.

What's your favorite TV show?

Outer Banks on Netflix.

What's your go-to music during practice or before a race?

I've got a wide range of music tastes, but if I'm on a run, I listen to The Killers and All-American Rejects. Just 90s and 2000s rock.

Finish this sentence. Madison Muller is...

Determined. I'm ready to make it happen.