In The Nest: Brianna Richard Jumps and Sprints Through Full-Circle Journey
Medical Mutual
2/20/2023
Brianna Richard (Cincinnati, Ohio) and the Falcon Track and Field team will be hosting the 2023 MAC Indoor Championships for the first time since 2018, Richard’s freshman year. The sprinter/jumper recently sat down to answer a few questions about her track and field journey, her excitement for the MAC Championships, and more!
Q: How did you first get into Track and Field, and when did you realize it was possible to continue competing at the collegiate level?
Richard: The first time I got into track and field was 14 years ago. I was 9 years old and was competing in competitive gymnastics. My gymnastics coach noticed how fast I was while practicing for vault and my dad took it upon himself to take me to join a CYO track club to test my talents. I excelled at the CYO meets and then joined AAU shortly after. I found my niche and fell in love with the competitiveness of track. I knew this was my God-given talent that I wanted to continue and see how far I could go. I knew from the time I was doing well on the national level for my age group that I could compete on the collegiate level. I made the decision to sign and run on an elite level here at BGSU.
Q: You have had tremendous success as a student and an athlete, earning several academic awards, winning a MAC outdoor title in the triple jump, and qualifying for the 2021 NCAA East Regional Preliminaries. What helps you balance everything?
Richard: My faith in God knowing that he will never give me more than I can handle and my amazing family support system. They keep me grounded, motivated, and sane by being there just to listen or to push me and remind me that all things are possible!
Q: You recently recorded a lifetime PR in the long jump at the YSU Collegiate Invite (5.95m, 19’ 6.25”). How did it feel to reach that mark?
Richard: I honestly didn’t even know that was my lifetime PR until my teammate informed me! I was so focused on being competitive and being in the moment that I was just glad I had won, not knowing that I set a new PR. I was excited to know that I am still getting better in my sixth year.
Q: You rank second in program history in the triple jump in both indoor and outdoor meets. What adjustments, if any, do you have to make from the indoor to outdoor season?
Richard: Going to the outdoor season, I must adjust to the weather change! With indoor, the weather is always constant, but outdoor, you have to be able to compete no matter the condition, so it becomes more of a mental battle to remain focused and compete despite not being the ideal condition. We also go to more competitive meets outdoor and are exposed to new settings, so I must adjust to a higher level of competition.
Q: When you think about your time as a Falcon, what moment sticks out as the most memorable?
Richard: When I think about my time as a Falcon, graduating sticks out as the most memorable. The sense of accomplishment I felt at the ceremony was amazing and I was able to share this experience with my best friend, Ebonie Whitted!
Q: You are pursuing your Doctorate in Physical Therapy. What would like to do when your athletic career concludes?
Richard: I would like to be a physical therapist working in the sports medicine setting or with the pediatrics population.
Q: Who inspired or encouraged you the most athletically growing up?
Richard: My dad! He is a true track dad and loves sports! He would motivate me to be better than myself each time I was on the runway or on the line! He kept me focused and encouraged me by exposing me to many resources in the track and field world.
My mom also encouraged me growing up by reminding me that despite how I perform, I am more than capable of being the best at what I do!.
Q: Do you have any pre-meet superstitions or routines?
Richard: I don’t have one other than listening to music to hype myself up before competition.
Q: What is your go-to meal?
Richard: A chicken sandwich and fries.
Q: Who is the funniest person on the team?
Richard: It depends on the day! I’m always laughing at practice because everyone is funny to me.
Q: Describe Coach Gildon in one phrase.
Richard: Hilariously well-rounded.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Falcon Track and Field program?
Richard: The family atmosphere! When I am competing, I feel so seen and when my teammates cheer for me I feel special and supported! It’s the best thing being hyped up by your little sisters!
Q: How will it feel to host the MAC Indoor Track and Field Championships?
Richard: It will be a full-circle moment! My first year we hosted the Championships and now my last year we are again, so this is amazing! I better hear a lot of Falcons in the crowd!
Q: What is one individual goal and one team goal you’d like to achieve at MACs?
Richard: I want to walk away with some jewelry [medals] and I want my team to be top 3, but not 3!
