Athlete of the Week: Taha Abdi, Windermere Prep cross-country

In his senior season, Windermere Prep’s Taha Abdi set a personal best of 16:42 in the Class 2A District 4 Championship and led the team with a sixth-place finish. He qualified for states and finished No. 30, running the 5K in 16:54.

Cross-country head coach Jason Greer said Abdi’s been growing each week, and his focused approach at practice sets the tone for others around him. He plays with a winner’s mentality and strives to become the best version of himself. 

What do you enjoy most about cross-country?

I enjoy how inviting the sport is. Everyone competes, but everyone also cheers for (one another). At the end of the day, we’re all racing the same thing, the clock. You can measure your own improvement and work toward your goals, which makes it motivating.

When did you start cross-country, and why did you join?

I joined cross-country my 11th-grade year after qualifying for states my first year running distance in track as a sophomore. I wanted to take it seriously and try to take it to the next level. I knew doing cross-country and track my 11th-grade year would get me there. 

What is your biggest accomplishment in cross-country?

My biggest accomplishment is pushing through injuries (such as) my stress fractures in both legs in the middle of the season and still being able to compete and run at the state championship final in Tallahassee. 

What has cross-country taught you?

It’s taught me that progress isn’t always linear. Some days are tough, but if you stay patient, committed and disciplined, the results will come.

How would you describe yourself as a teammate?

I’d say I’m supportive and competitive in a good way. I want my teammates to do well, and I try to bring good energy at practice and on race day. Sometimes, the sport becomes overwhelming for all of us so I try to lighten up the mood at practice and meets to ease everyone’s stress and nerves.

What advice would you give someone who just joined cross-country?

Be patient with yourself. Improvements start small, but they add up. Stay consistent, trust your coach, and every run will make you better.

If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team?

I would tell them to focus on what they can control. You can’t control the course, weather and injuries, but you can control your effort and how you bounce back from setbacks. Give everything you have, and you won’t regret it.

What is your pre-race ritual?

I listen to music, stretch a little and do a few strides to get locked in. And, of course, pasta the night before! 

If you could pick a different sport, what would it be and why?

Probably basketball, because I like the pace and intensity. I also played it my freshman and sophomore year before I started running track and cross-country.

Whom do you look up to the most?

My parents. Their work ethic and support are the reason I can chase my goals.

What is something new you would like to learn?

I’d like to learn how to cook more healthy meals for myself. I also would love to learn how to do a backflip. 

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?

Somewhere with hills and cooler weather for training, like Colorado.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?

I would give back to my family, invest most of it and buy a good amount of shoes and clothes. 

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Eid, because it’s about family, food and being grateful.

What future career do you want to have?

Something in medicine or sports science, so I can help people and continue to connect my passion for athletics through it. 

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose?

A pigeon, because I’m always wandering around and somehow still end up where I need to be.

What is your perfect day?

A morning run, good food, time with friends and family, winning my Clash Royale games and finishing all my homework.

Would you rather only eat fruit or vegetables?

Fruit. They just taste so much better. 

What does 6-7 mean?

People think 6-7 is just a random funny thing, but to me, it’s a lifestyle. It’s what gets me up in the morning. It’s half-joke and half-motivation.