Athlete of the Week: Ania Wong ’28

Ania Wong ’28 is a first-year cross-country runner from Fremont, CA. Wong helped the Garnet to a second-place finish out of 25 teams at the NCAA Metro Regional on Saturday, Nov. 16. The first year crossed the line in tenth place overall to secure All-Metro status at her NCAA Regional debut. Wong completed the 6-kilometer race in 22:30.9 with an average pace of 6:02 per mile. This time is fifteen seconds under her Centennial Conference Championship finish, where she came in twelfth and collected All-Centennial Second Team honors. Wong’s best time this season was at the Rowan Border Battle last month, where she recorded 22:21.8 for the 6-kilometer race. Her fastest time in a 5-kilometer race was 19:05.6 at the Main Line Invitational. The Garnet unfortunately did not secure an at-large bid for the NCAA Championships as a team and Wong was just shy of an individual bid, but be sure to keep an eye out for her in the next three years as she continues to be a top contender for the Garnet.

Abby Chang: How did you feel about a top-ten finish at the NCAA Regional race this weekend?

Ania Wong: I think I have had a good run this season as a first year on the Swat cross country team. I’m satisfied with my performance at NCAA Metro regionals, but I know I’m capable of more, and I’m using this as motivation to keep on working hard and improving. I’m grateful to my coach and teammates and everyone who made it possible for me to get to this point physically and mentally. 

AC: What have been some highlights of the season this year?

AW: It was really exciting competing in the 6-kilometer event for the first time. Some highlights from the season include going on long runs with the team on Sundays at Valley Green, along the Wissahickon Creek, and getting to run with a fast team! Other high points of the season included being All-Conference and All-Metro.

AC: How have you been liking college? 

AW: I have been enjoying it so far, training in the college setting for athletics is great, and I can focus on the things that matter to me most. The professors are all really engaging and I feel like I am learning a lot. I love that Swarthmore is just outside of Philly making it easy and accessible to go to the city during the weekends. 

AC: Do you have any pre-meet or post-meet rituals?

AW: Before every meet, I always take a moment to breathe and reflect on everything I’ve done to get to this point. I always eat a packet of honey before every single race! (Nature produces the best GU [Energy Gel].)

AC: Do you have an athlete role model or someone in the sport you look up to?

AW: My greatest inspiration in my sport is probably my father. An avid runner, I started running because of him and he has supported me through every race. 

AC: Why do you run cross country?

AW: I run cross country because I love a challenge. Running takes me places that my feet can’t, it takes me to a place where I’m left with nothing but my own thoughts, and it makes me feel alive when you can’t feel anything else. It makes me feel thankful for what I am able to accomplish with what I was given. 

AC: Why did you choose Swarthmore? What is your area of study?

AW: I chose Swarthmore for its rigorous academics, liberal arts curriculum, and strong running community! I am majoring in chemistry and planning to minor in psychology. 

AC: What is your favorite class that you’ve taken at Swarthmore?

AW: My favorite class that I’ve taken at Swarthmore so far is a tie between Math 25 and Chem 011. I have been having a lot of fun in chem labs but math becomes much more interesting when you learn the actual application behind the math you are doing. 

AC: How is college cross country different or the same from what you expected?

AW: The courses here on the East Coast are different from what I have experienced before. The courses are very grassy and require cross-country spikes. The training on a collegiate team is much more individualized and I feel like I have more autonomy in my training. The team environment is also very supportive. 

AC: What do you like to do outside of school and cross country?

AW: Outside of school and cross country, I love photography, taking pictures of nature, landscapes, and portraits. I also love singing; this semester I am a part of Swarthmore’s chorus. I also love cooking and learning different languages!