April 2016 Athletes of the Month: Grady Okeson and Susan Kim
- Apr 4, 2016
- 2 min read
Grady Okeson
A senior at Edmonds-Woodway High School, Grady Okeson credits Coach Alan Bonney with teaching him an important lesson. “(He told me) ‘nothing is given,’” shared Grady. “Running has taught me how to give 100 percent and to never just do something to get it over with, but to always do your best.” And doing his best is what has propelled Grady to become a two-time state participant in cross-country, a captain of the cross-country team and a third place finisher at the Lake Stevens Invite in the 800-meter dash for track.
Grady has always considered himself a hands-on person, and he plans to pursue a career as an electrician and also work in construction. “I love building and feel as if being an electrician is the best route for me,” he shared.
Grady said his athletic success has been in part due to doing what he could to remain healthy. “I always listen to my body and do what’s best,” he said. And that includes eating healthy and always being sure to get enough rest.
It is being part of a team and the satisfaction that comes with it that Grady said he loves most about running. “I have never been part of a team or group that is so dedicated and motivated to succeed,” said Grady about his teammates. “We are all great friends and push each other everyday to get better.”
Susan Kim
Susan Kim enjoys running and she doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon. “I plan to attend a four-year university,” she said. “If I'm able to go to Occidental College, I plan to run as a D-3 athlete there; however, if not, I'll definitely try to join a running club at any other university I'm able to attend!”
Susan runs cross-country and track and field for Edmonds-Woodway High School and said she is especially proud to have served as captain of the cross-country team her junior and senior years.
“One of my team's athletic accomplishments was our growth from being an ‘unknown’ to a state-ranked team – second only to Glacier Peak in the 3A WIAA State Championships,” said Susan, who has also excelled academically being part of a full International Baccalaureate Program with a GPA of 3.89.
She has always been interested in science, and Susan said her career interests include aerospace and biomedical engineering. “I would love to be a part of the innovative world,” she said.
Susan shares that one of the biggest challenges she has had is to overcome physical and mental barriers when it comes to running.
“Distance running is just as much mental perseverance as physical strength. In ninth grade, my fastest 5k was 26 minutes; now, I can run a high 19-minute 5k,” she said.
“I've experienced a lot of growth, and I can only contribute this to working hard, being disciplined, and keeping at it even when the going gets tough,” said Susan.
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