Sydney Fanning and Deshaun Castillo are two athletes who wake up every day with a clear purpose, which is to improve and push themselves to new heights in track and field. Both believe that their faith, hard work, determination, and the lessons they have learned through training are keys to their success. Whether it’s overcoming a tough training session or preparing for an important meet, they deal with every challenge with a passion and determination that is both truly remarkable and very credible.
For Fanning and Castillo, their track and field journey is about more than just winning races and breaking records. It’s about finding a balance in their busy lives, dealing with setbacks like injuries, and staying focused even when things get hard. They both understand that it is all about the battle of mental strength disagreeing with their brain that they can push their limit. What truly sets them apart is their deep faith, which helps them stay focused and motivated, and perform at their best.
“I push through tough training sessions because I know these are the moments that will lead to progress,” Fanning said. “And I’m grateful to God for the strength to do this every day.”
Regardless of the rewards of the progress, training can quite often be difficult. Castillo faced his own challenges for the better of himself, such as battling through bad weather and pushing tirelessly. Fanning has had to deal with injuries that slowed her down, but she knows that taking time to recover is a priority and so is training outside of school at the gym. Both athletes have learned the importance of patience and determination.
“Sometimes the weather is terrible or I’m feeling worn out,” Castillo said. But I’ve got to push through if I want to get better.”
For Castillo, getting through rough and tough days comes down to a game of mentality telling the brain that he can keep pushing. He believes that no matter how hard the day might be, he has to keep pushing if he wants to improve. Fanning shares a similar kind of mindset but also asserts the importance of recovery. Both know that their path and journey is not just about hard work, but also about taking care of their body and minds.
“When things get tough, I let myself know that pushing through an injury will only make it worse.” Fanning said. “Rest and recovering your body are as important as the work itself.”
Both Fanning and Castillo understand that being successful in their sport involves much more than physical training. They need to stay focused, balanced, and healthy. Preparing for a competition isn’t just about the last few days chasing up to the events, it’s about creating a solid foundation in mind, body, mindset, and spirit. For both of the athletes, their faith plays a big part in keeping them mentally strong and focused on the goal that matters.
“It’s not about me,” Castillo said. “It’s about running for God and using my gifts for something greater.”
Fanning and Castillo both believe that their talent is a gift, and they see their competitions as a way to honor that gift. It’s not just about personal things they want, but about using their abilities for a bigger purpose. Their faith gives them the strength to push through difficult times and to be grateful for the chance to compete.
“Every race is an opportunity to say thank you for the gifts I’ve been given.” Fanning said. “It’s about honoring what God has blessed me with and sharing that with the world.”
