Paradis Sport (PS): Where are you now with training and competition?
Cha’Mia Rothwell (CR): I took some time off over the summer to decompress and am now back in fall training mode to prepare for the 2023 season. I have a great training partner, Erin Marsh, who is a heptathlete and Duke alum. It’s been awesome training with her as we have similar goals and constantly push each other to get better. I have goals of competing internationally on the European circuit so I’m focused on improving my world ranking in order to enter more competitive meets. My primary goal for the 2023 season is to qualify for the World Championships in Budapest [August 19-27] and ultimately I hope to make the US Olympic team to compete in the ‘24 Summer Olympics in Paris. Very big lofty goals of course but my priorities right now are to have fun, stay healthy, and get faster/stronger!
PS: Exciting! We are going to be rooting for you every step of the way. Are you still coaching? And how does/did coaching impact you as an athlete?
CR: Yes, I am a volunteer coach for Duke Track & Field and I also do private coaching on the side. It is one of the most rewarding things I have done recently. Coaching and being a mentor has shown me how much I know and how much I have to offer to this sport. It’s also very reinforcing and a constant reminder that much of what I coach, I need to be actively working on myself!
PS: Those are some lucky athletes you coach. What advice do you have for young women in your sport or other sports?
CR: I would say to keep in mind that you get out what you put in, and that it’s all about consistency, showing up and putting in the effort. It’s so easy to stop when things get challenging and you become discouraged but success is the cumulative result of consistent healthy habits. Another important thing to consider is your personal “why?” as it relates to you and your sport. When you play a sport for a while it can start to feel mundane and your motivation may waver. Having a solid “why?” that keeps you intrinsically motivated will help you show up on the days you don’t feel like it.
PS: That is such good advice. Can you tell us about your time off over the summer?
CR: I work as a real estate agent with Inhabit Real Estate (a local firm in Durham, NC) and was pretty busy learning throughout the summer while our market was still steady and competitive. It was a good time to build my professional skills while I took some time away from track. By September I felt so ready to jump back into training and competing and that was just what I needed.
PS: Well, the Paradis Sport family and beyond is wishing you an awesome winter season and an even better summer. Thank you for making time to talk with us.
Go Cha’Mia!!!
