Athlete of the Month: Rafaella Gibbons

Runner takes top titles

By Observer Staff
| 7:25 a.m. January 29, 2015

After a convincing state championship win in her first high school cross country season, Rafaella Gibbons has her sights set on track and field, and three more years under the spotlight.

Winter Park - Maitland Observer
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Name: Rafaella Gibbons

Age: 14

School: Winter Park High School

Class year: 2018

Sport: Varsity Cross Country/Track and Field

Accomplishments: 4A Cross Country High School Girls’ State Champion; two-time FLYRA Middle School State Cross Country Champion; holds the Orange County middle school record for the girls’ 1,600-meter event

Favorite athlete: Jenny Simpson (a former Oviedo runner and current U.S. Olympian)

Hopes for the future: I want to still do well education-wise and get into a good college. In high school I want to continue winning states.

What do you like to do for fun? During the weekend I have time to hang out with friends – that’s what I usually do.

Why do you like being a Winter Park Wildcat? Winter Park is a really good program for sports. We’re one of the best in the state. It’s just really awesome to tell people I’m from Winter Park. It has a good reputation.