Ahmed's Improvement Takes Her to Meet of Champions

Aziza Ahmed has tried many different ways to throw the discus. What she has learned in that time is that it really helps when you know what you're doing.

Ahmed started throwing the discus at . When she thought back on those times, she couldn't help but laugh.

"I didn't really know what I was doing," Ahmed said. "I was throwing maybe 65 feet at Kreps. I think they were just trying to keep it simple for everyone there."

Once she started at , Ahmed saw a quick bump to about 80 feet.

"We concentrated on the discus more," Ahmed said. "We were throwing before, but we learned different things in high school."

One of the things Ahmed learned was how to utilize her height. She stands six feet tall.

"We added on to the spin in high school," Ahmed noted of her new throwing style. "For the discus, my height also helps. It's something about the length of the arms. When you spin, it'll always be further. Well, that's what my coach says (laughs)."

Ahmed is open to trying different things to see  what works. She plays defense for the JV soccer team. She also swims.

Ahmed swims throughout the year. At Hightstown, she competes in the 50 free and 100 backstroke. She was good enough in the 50 free to place 10th at the Mercer County Championships.

Ahmed also shows her versatility in track. In addition to the discus, she also runs the 100.

"She's very quick for a tall girl," Hightstown High girls track coach Don Hess said. "She's very athletic."

Ahmed has also tried the high jump and hurdles for Hightstown.

"I tried the high jump one day," Ahmed recalled with a laugh. "It was a one-day career. I didn't clear anything."

Fortunately, Ahmed learned how good she could be in discus. She for the Meet of Champions, placing 24th in that event on June 9 with a throw of 108' 6".

"We were pleased to get her to the Meet of Champions as a junior," Hess said. "It really sets up next year. We're looking forward to that year."

Ahmed was happy to reach the Meet of Champions. However, she knows there's a meet even bigger than that one.

"It was a good year, but I think I can be even better," Ahmed said. "Hopefully I can go to the nationals next year."