“My favorite memory of this season is looking up at my family after throwing 173 feet on my first try and knowing I was going to be a double state champion.”

After two record breaking throws at the State UIL Track and Field competition last [date], senior Amelia Flynt became the State champion in both discus and shot put throwing. She plans on continuing her successful athletic career on full scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley this fall.

“I first tried throwing when I was seven years old but after my first practice I quickly quit,” Flynt said. “I was frustrated with how hard it was. In eighth grade my Dad began coaching me. I fell in love with the sport, especially with the fact that I had control over whether I won or not.”

Flynt says her years of practice and “blood, sweat and tears” have gotten her to where she is today. At Berkeley, she plans to study business and continue on to become a nursing anesthetist. 

“When my brother was about five years old, he was in a terrible train accident,” Flynt said. “He was dragged by a train door and finally released after about a mile. While he was in the hospital the nurses were the most amazing kind people during such a difficult time. I want to do the same for others and make a difference. I want to help save lives and take care of wonderful people.”

After a devastating back injury her sophomore year, Flynt was forced to cut short the season and did not qualify for state competition. After intense training, Flynt recovered enough to compete at the junior Olympics her junior and senior years. However, her two recent wins at State have meant the most to her.  

“I was speechless and shocked that the discus went as far as it did,” Flynt said. “I threw it and was ready for competition to be over. I couldn’t have been more ecstatic. It was a very joyful moment, I felt like I had made my coach, my family, and my boyfriend proud as they all came to watch me.”

After four years throwing at Cinco Ranch, Flynt has some advice for future cougar athletes. 

“Keep working hard and don’t ever give up,” Flynt said. “There will be highs and lows but persevere and make it to the top. Love what you do.”