Running

Related Photos

  • Carina Nieto

    Carina Nieto.jpg

Discussion

April 1, 2012

Doug Hawley: Former Cat to run in Mexico

When Carina Nieto left Mexico at age nine, little did she realize that her distance running exploits would mean a return to her home country nine years later for the National Junior Olympics.

Nieto, a 2011 Dalton High graduate who excelled as a distance runner, will compete in the 5,000- and 1,500-meter track events at Puebla during the week of May 17-25.

“I will be representing the USA, and I will be wearing the USA uniform,” 18-year-old Nieto proudly declared. “It is a breathtakingly beautiful blessing to represent the country that has seen me grow into a disciplined and determined woman and run in the country where I was born and raised. To be eligible, you have to be a Mexican native.”

Nieto, who is on a running scholarship at University of West Georgia in Carrollton, qualified for the two events in a recent track meet at Georgia Tech. She ran the 5K in 19:08 and the 1,500 in 5:05.

“To qualify for the female 5K, you have to run under 20 minutes,” she said. “My 1,500 was a little off the standard, but the officials took me on that time. I can run the needed 4:57.”

Those Mexican officials are not sparing the expense.

“The flight, hotel and food will all be paid for me,” Nieto said. “That gives me even more incentive.”

According to Nieto, this competition takes place every year. The maximum age is 22.

“I’m nervous and excited,” she said. “I know that I will be running against the fastest runners in Mexico, but I also know that I have talent and speed, and God will help me if I help myself. I would love to qualify and run there four more years.”

Nieto emerged as a pleasant surprise last fall for the West Georgia women’s cross country team.

“She was the slowest time-wise of the four we brought in on scholarship,” coach Tim Brooks said of the petite 5 feet-2 inch performer. “She quickly became No. 1. She led them in every meet.”

Nieto earned All-Gulf Coast Conference status with a 12th-place finish as the Wolves finished fifth in the league meet. Her best 5K time during the season was 19:48.

“To every practice, I always brought motivation, determination, determination, good work ethic and passion,” she said. “There was never one workout when I didn’t feel determined or faithful. My training has been a lot harder than at Dalton High. I started running hills and a lot of distance workouts.”

She also achieved All-Academic honors for the conference in cross country.

“I run about 45 miles a week,” Nieto said. “That includes (doing) twice-a-days three or four times a week.”

Her academic prowess has continued in this spring semester. She shows up for all five classes, including advanced German and Spanish.

“I study four hours a day, seven days a week,” she said. “Academics are No. 1.”

Brooks sounded almost in awe of Nieto’s exploits.

“She’s almost a perfect person,” Brooks praised. “She fits the mold of the scholar athlete. She is so talented and dedicated in everything that she does.”

Although Nieto established her Mexican qualifying times this spring, West Georgia does not have a sanctioned track team. She is one of a half dozen people competing in three non-sanctioned meets in 2012.

“We’ve been assured that we will have a full-fledged team next year,” Nieto said. “I was so happy to hear that.”

She is majoring in psychology with a minor in Spanish.

“My psychology classes are fun and very demanding,” Nieto said, “but it is a field where I believe I can be very encouraging. I read a lot and write every day. One of my dreams is to be a writer. I like to express myself and express my thoughts through writing. I keep five different diaries and note down my goals, dreams and the experiences I’ve undergone my whole life. I’m still exploring life’s beauty and opportunities.”

During her running days at Dalton High, Nieto qualified for four state cross country meets and two state track meets. She also has claimed some overall female road racing honors such as the Grizzly Trail Run on two occasions and the Silver Bell.

Her faith still centers on St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Dalton, of which she said, “I love my church and love helping people. I love to go to church. I love to praise God because I know He is the way, the truth and the real life.”

The daughter of Rogelio and Maria Nieto said that she owes thanks for encouragement from many people in the immediate area — most notably close friends Jim and Cheryl Cook, and Dalton High running coach Margie Bruner.

In turn, the community appreciates the positive role model that personifies Nieto.

• UPCOMING RACES: Although area local road races have been scarce in the early part of the year, there will be two coming on back-to-back weekends.

The Run For John is scheduled April 28 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Scholarships are made available to students in memory of John Bruner for this 5K race at 9 a.m.

For the first time, the Bill Gregory Healthcare Classic — slated May 5 — will have a 10K race along with the 5K. Activity at Bradley Wellness Cener has an 8 a.m. start.



Doug Hawley, a competitive distance runner for more than 50 years, can be reached at dhawley@optilink.us.

Text Only
General Running

Columns

Dalton Half Marathon