CHARLOTTE — A Charlotte athlete will represent team USA in the 2021 Summer Olympics in a little more than two weeks.
Anna Cockrell, who graduated from Providence Day School, will compete in the 400-meter hurdles track and field event in Tokyo.
(Watch below: Former Providence Day track athlete prepares for Tokyo Olympics)
This browser does not support the video element.
Providence Day track coach Carol Lawrence met Cockrell’s mother in 2016.
“(Her) mom came and introduced herself and said, ‘My daughter is a phenomenal runner, just moved from Detroit,’” Lawrence said. “I said, ‘OK, everybody’s kid is phenomenal.’”
Lawrence took notes on Cockrell’s performance.
[Sha’Carri Richardson left off sprint team, won’t compete in Olympics]
“The thing with Anna, after every year, she worked like someone who never won a thing in her life,” Lawrence said. “She stayed hungry, and she stayed humble.”
Cockrell was one of the best at the Olympic trials. She finished third, cementing a spot on the team.
“It was pins and needles,” Lawrence said.
Cockrell graduated with honors from the University of Southern California.
“When you have someone of that caliber to go against, it just raises the standards for everyone,” said Graham Gutnecht, one of Cockrell’s racing partners.
The 400 will be one of the highest profile races of the Olympics.
(WATCH BELOW: Nursing mothers competing in games to be permitted to bring children to Tokyo Olympics)
This browser does not support the video element.