When Michelle Atherly isn’t out of town competing, she can usually be found running on the track at the University of Miami.
Azalie was a heptathlete, honing her skills in seven events: the 100m hurdles, long jump, high jump, shot put, 200m sprint, javelin and 800m.
“Every heptathlete has their own strengths. The challenge and the fun of the sport is to master everything as best as you can and distribute your talent equally across all of them,” Atherly said between hurdle and javelin training sessions.
The South Florida native is now focused on next month’s Olympic track and field qualifiers in Eugene, Oregon, and trying to solidify her spot on the U.S. national team after missing out on making the U.S. team in Tokyo just three years ago.
“I’m going to this tournament not just because I’m happy to be there, but because I know I deserve to be a part of this team and I’m ready to compete even more,” Atherly said.
Atherly will compete in the 2022 World Athletics Championships and is the only University of Miami athlete to win an NCAA pentathlon (five events).
Her coaches couldn’t be prouder.
“The growth and maturity she’s had since her collegiate days and then being able to put it all together over the next few weeks, that’s why I coach – to see these girls achieve their dreams and goals,” University of Michigan track and field coach Amy Deem said.
“I’m very happy with where I am right now, but I have a strong desire to improve even more so I’m very motivated and excited to keep working hard,” Atherly said about her upcoming qualifiers.
She is determined to go to Paris no matter what obstacles stand in her way.
