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DyeStat Discussions - EP295 - Aaliyah Miller
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Baylor graduate student-athlete Aaliyah Miller, the reigning NCAA Division 1 Indoor champion in the women's 800 meters and a four-time All-America first-team honoree, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss her 2:00.69 performance and setting the meet record as well as equaling the No. 2 performance in collegiate indoor history at the March 11-13 championship meet at Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville, Ark. Miller, a silver medalist in the 800 at the World U-20 Outdoor Championships in 2016 in Poland, was one of two champions for the Baylor women, along with freshman Ackera Nugent in the 60-meter hurdles. She reflects on Baylor having only won one NCAA indoor title in program history (the 4x400 relay in 1998) and one outdoor championship in 1999 from Stacey Bowers in the triple jump prior to this year. Miller revisits her recovery from a foot injury her freshman year, along with the challenges presented at her previous experiences at NCAA championship meets, and how that created even more motivation to seize her opportunities this year. She shares the confidence gained from running 2:02.35 on Feb. 13 at Iowa State, along with 2:02.98 on Feb. 26 to capture the Big 12 Indoor title. Miller reveals her relief to qualify for the 800 final at the NCAA championship meet and dexplains her decision to be aggressive from the start of the race, including a 56.90 first 400. She emphasizes not only the joy, but the validation of being a Division 1 champion and the meet record holder, in addition to running her lifetime best and having legitimate aspirations to eclipse the 2-minute barrier outdoors during the collegiate season or at the Olympic Trials in June at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. Miller also speaks about teaming with Kavia Francis, Arria Minor and Lily Williams to place eighth and earn All-America honors in the 4x400 relay, along with the Bears placing ninth overall with 24 points, despite having only six athletes competing in four events. She also provides an update on her pursuit of a Master's degree in Sports Management after earning a Bachelor's degree in Marketing. More videos |