Today we’d like to introduce you to Caisja Chandler.
Hi Caisja, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started running track for fun at Central Middle School in Euclid, Ohio. Prior to that, I did cheer and gymnastics. My main event was the 100m dash. One day my middle school coach told us to run as fast as we could. That was the day that I learned that I was actually really fast. I started to like track a lot and continued running. I then began my career at Euclid High School. This is where I really excelled with track. My main event went from just the 100m dash to also the 200m dash too. At the time I didn’t know it but the 200m dash became my favorite event. I loved it so much and I let it be known on the track. I ran AAU track for the first time the summer of 2017. I made it to AAU junior Olympics where I placed 5th in the 200m. My senior year of high school was where I improved the most. I was learning more about myself as a runner and that’s what helped me progressed the most. At the district meet, I was set to compete in the 100,200,4×1, and 4×2. I was in my blocks to run finals of the 100 and false-started. I was very upset and didn’t know what to do. Since I false started, I got disqualified which meant no regionals and that also meant no state meet in the 100. I had to get myself together and prepare for my other events for the day. That day I had my fastest split in the 4×2 and had a personal best in the 200. Then came along regionals where I qualified for states in the 4×2 and 200. At states, I broke the state record in the 200m dash. I committed to the University of Cincinnati where I continued my athletic and academic career. At Cincinnati, I quickly had success on the track. I broke multiple school records, MVP, All-American, U20’s gold medalists, freshman of the year, conference champion, Olympic trials, etc. I left Euclid High School and University of Cincinnati a legend.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road for me but that’s how it is with all sports. I got my first serious injury my senior year of college and didn’t know what to do. I was distraught, confused, and angry. At the time, I wasn’t doing well mentally and physically. I put everything that I was feeling into getting better every day. I did what I could to get better with treatment and rehab. The only thing I could do for workouts was pool and bike. I went to the track on my own to get in ab workouts too. I finally was able to start jogging on the turf and I was happy. Turf jogs eventually turned into track workouts. Being on the track again made me so excited for what was to come. I was able to compete outdoor season but it wasn’t easy. I wasn’t hitting the times I wanted and still working on getting my confidence back on the track. I want to be the best in everything I do, especially on the track. I came to practice every day determined and putting my all into every workout. I was getting better and back in shape I could feel it. Outdoor conference championships came along and my goals were set I just had to achieve them. I ended up leaving the championship meet with a win in the 100 and 200. A double win in the short sprints something I never had before in my collegiate career. I was full of emotions because it was one of the best days ever for me. The comeback journey wasn’t easy coming back from injury. I had to work hard to be able to become the double champion at the championship meet. I am a big believer in God’s plan and that everything happens for a reason. Being injured was a learning experience and it made me realize how serious I am about the sport track and field.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a short sprinter that specializes in the 100 and 200. I am known for doing what I do best on the track which is being fast. I am most proud of all of my accomplishments that I’ve achieved since I started track and field. I haven’t even reached my full potential and there’s more to come. What sets me apart from others is my personality. I’m goofy, outgoing and fun to be around. On the track, I’m always cute with my makeup and hair done for the camera. I’m a girly girl but when it comes to track, I am highly competitive. I’ve always been a competitive person no matter what I am doing.
What does success mean to you?
Success can be defined in many different ways. One of the common definitions is getting the outcome you want, fame and wealth. When I got hurt my emotions was all over the place. Tears came out but one of the main things that kept me going is me having success on the track. I’ve already done a lot of things that I wanted to accomplish on the track but wanted to keep going. I never gave up because I want more success and to continue hitting the goals I have. Ups and downs will come in every sport but you have to stay focused.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caisja.c/?hl=en&__coig_restricted=1
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_caisjaaaa_
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/Caisjac
