Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Gabe Milliken

Fresh blood can sometimes have an immediate impact.

That much was true when Sarasota Christian cross country welcomed Gabe Milliken into the fold as a freshman last season. 

He assembled three top-five finishes, and as part of his introductory campaign, earned 11th place at the SSAA championships and 10th at the FHSAA Class 1A-District 6 tournament.

Following Saturday's eighth-place finish at the SSAA championships — by way of a course personal record 18:09.97 — Milliken is the Sarasota Observer's Athlete of the Week.

When and why did you start running?

I started running when I was 6 years old. I was just running on beaches and running with my mom. That was really nice. I just started running because my mom really liked it — she did it when she was a kid. So she inspired me to start running as well.

What do you enjoy most about cross country?

I just love the experience and meeting new people that are nice. And it's just really good exercise.

What's been the highlight of your career so far?

Winning the (Sarasota Military Academy) race two years in a row and also making it to (the FHSAA regional tournament) last year. As for my freshman year — that was also really good.

What are your goals for your sophomore season with Sarasota Christian?

I'm hoping to achieve qualifying for states. I haven't seen (past) results, but (I'm) trying not to get last in that.

What's been your focus during recent practices to better prepare for competition?

Long runs, getting my endurance up and my mindset ready for big races. Doing a little sprint toward the end.

What's one quote, if any, that you live your life by?

"It's a great day to have a great day."

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

I want to meet Cristiano Ronaldo, because he's the best player in soccer, and that'd be really cool.

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

I would go to Greece, because it looks really nice and fancy. I haven't been out of the country.

If you were stuck on a desert island with only one item, what would you bring and why?

I would probably bring a bag full of food, just to survive on that.

What's your favorite movie?

I really like Happy Gilmore 2.

What's your favorite meal?

Chicken parmesan.

What's your go-to, pre-meet hype music?

I listen to a couple (artists), but I don't have a favorite. Bounce Back (by Big Sean). FE!N by Travis Scott.

Finish this sentence. Gabe Milliken is...

Athletic.