Coach Sandy Pearson remembers the first time she met athlete Jasmine Miles (pictured center), who was all business and no smiles. Pearson said she wanted to see the young woman smile at least once.
At age 23, Miles is tall and lean—a perfect athletic build. What struck Pearson about Miles more than anything was watching her run.
“She is quick and has stamina,” Pearson said. “When she really runs, she has natural ability. It’s amazing to see her run.”
Pearson has been coaching Miles for three seasons on her Special Olympics track and field team; Miles competes in the 200, 100, and 50-meter dashes. She also plays softball, basketball, and soccer—and said all of them are her favorite.
“Playing is what I like to do, and I love to have fun,” Miles said.
The Olympian, who recently started a job at Achievement House while taking classes at Hancock, said she started participating in the Special Olympics two years ago so she could have something to do and stay out of trouble. But underneath the “just have fun” exterior, Miles is a competitor.
“I like to compete because I know I can put myself to the test,” she explained.
The runner said she enjoys track because it helps her increase her speed and strength. Above everything else, Miles is happy to be a part of the Special Olympics.
“We’re showing people what it means to play and enjoy yourself,” she said.
Despite leaving her teammates in the dust at track practice and earning praise from her coaches, Miles is modest by nature.
“I do think I have talent,” she admitted. “I just don’t always see it.”
Pearson said it’s been her mission since she met Miles to help the young athlete realize her talent.
“I’m inspired when I watch her run,” Pearson said. “This season I wanted her to work on her attitude and see her brilliance.”
With the Area Games days away, Pearson said she wants to see Miles do the best she can at the event. As for Miles, the athlete said she’s been working on realizing her abilities. In the meantime, she wants to continue having fun. For up-and-coming athletes, she offered some sage advice:
“Have the will to train, have fun, and exceed in what you do—don’t let other people put you down,” she said. “If your dream is to run, fulfill your dream.”
This article appears in Apr 11-18, 2013.