Elias Gerald
Junior, Track & Field, USC
STATS
Hometown: Saratoga Springs, Utah
Major: Communications and journalism
Instagram: 3.4K followers - @eliasdgerald
Major: Communications and journalism
Instagram: 3.4K followers - @eliasdgerald
INTERVIEW
Proudest Athletic Achievement ?
2x PAC 12 Conference champion & x2 All American
2x PAC 12 Conference champion & x2 All American
How and when did you get started in your current collegiate sport?
I started competing in track and field when I was in the 4th grade. I started out as a long jumper and sprinter. I didn't start high jumping until my freshman year of high school when I was sitting at a track meet waiting to go home when my mom recommended I try high jump to pass the time. I ended up being very naturally talented and I've been high jumping ever since
I started competing in track and field when I was in the 4th grade. I started out as a long jumper and sprinter. I didn't start high jumping until my freshman year of high school when I was sitting at a track meet waiting to go home when my mom recommended I try high jump to pass the time. I ended up being very naturally talented and I've been high jumping ever since
What other sports did you play growing up? Anything memorable about playing many sports?
I grew up playing basketball my whole life and also competed in taekwondo for a 7 years. I earned my black belt when I was 14 years old
I grew up playing basketball my whole life and also competed in taekwondo for a 7 years. I earned my black belt when I was 14 years old
What was the biggest challenge you faced on your way to becoming a collegiate athlete?
I grew up playing basketball my whole life and also competed in taekwondo for a 7 years. I earned my black belt when I was 14 years old
I grew up playing basketball my whole life and also competed in taekwondo for a 7 years. I earned my black belt when I was 14 years old
Can you share a breakthrough moment in your early career that shaped your path to today?
Adjusting from the high school level to a colligate level. It's a different ball game, a lot of people can't shake the adjustment. It takes a lot of character to be able to power through at times.
Adjusting from the high school level to a colligate level. It's a different ball game, a lot of people can't shake the adjustment. It takes a lot of character to be able to power through at times.
How do you maintain your fitness level in the off-season?
Back when I was a Jr in high school, I broke the state record for high jump, my record lasted no longer than a week when someone I had never heard of surpassed my record by a quarter of an inch. We ended up meeting each other for the first time at the state meet where the best high school high jump competition in state history took place. Both me and my competitor cleared 7 ft for a new state record. I ended up winning off of missed attempts and I still consider that one of my best performances ever in my career.
Back when I was a Jr in high school, I broke the state record for high jump, my record lasted no longer than a week when someone I had never heard of surpassed my record by a quarter of an inch. We ended up meeting each other for the first time at the state meet where the best high school high jump competition in state history took place. Both me and my competitor cleared 7 ft for a new state record. I ended up winning off of missed attempts and I still consider that one of my best performances ever in my career.
How do you go about your mental preparation before competing?
One of my passions is basketball and I frequently play during the off season to keep in shape and make up for lost hoop sessions during the season. Trail running and lifting weights is also one of my favorite ways to maintain fitness
One of my passions is basketball and I frequently play during the off season to keep in shape and make up for lost hoop sessions during the season. Trail running and lifting weights is also one of my favorite ways to maintain fitness
What has been your most difficult moment while being a student athlete?
I try my best to clear my mind. A lot of time, athletes try to find a motivator to fuel themselves for their game or competition whether that's anger, fear or passion. I find it best to be fueled by emotions, but not driven by them. Kind of like a car. I like to listen to music that focuses me and pray before each competition.
I try my best to clear my mind. A lot of time, athletes try to find a motivator to fuel themselves for their game or competition whether that's anger, fear or passion. I find it best to be fueled by emotions, but not driven by them. Kind of like a car. I like to listen to music that focuses me and pray before each competition.
What’s your major and what do you want to do with it post graduation?
Communications and Journalism, I hope to become a sports broadcaster or announcer for ESPN after I graduate college.
Communications and Journalism, I hope to become a sports broadcaster or announcer for ESPN after I graduate college.
Do you see yourself as a role-model and if so, how do you approach that role?
Sometimes? Mostly for the kids that I used to babysit at home, or the few high schoolers that dm me asking how to jump higher. What I try to do is be a person that I wish I had in my life when i was that age. Someone that can give me honest advice and be in my corner. Giving back is how I would approach the role
Sometimes? Mostly for the kids that I used to babysit at home, or the few high schoolers that dm me asking how to jump higher. What I try to do is be a person that I wish I had in my life when i was that age. Someone that can give me honest advice and be in my corner. Giving back is how I would approach the role
What advice would you give to someone who aspires to be an NCAA student athlete?
One of the most important things someone can earn in life. ESPECIALLY NCAA athletes. is that anyone can do what they feel like doing, but one must learn how to consistently do the things they don't like doing. If you can master that, you'll find success in any aspect of life.
One of the most important things someone can earn in life. ESPECIALLY NCAA athletes. is that anyone can do what they feel like doing, but one must learn how to consistently do the things they don't like doing. If you can master that, you'll find success in any aspect of life.
Your motto for life?
Failing in inevitable, it's what you do about it that separates the winners from the losers
Failing in inevitable, it's what you do about it that separates the winners from the losers
What is your biggest success?
Earning my scholarship to USC was definitely one of the best things I've been able to accomplish, alongside with earning my black belt in taekwondo has been another great athletic achievement. But I think my biggest success so far is making it this far.
Earning my scholarship to USC was definitely one of the best things I've been able to accomplish, alongside with earning my black belt in taekwondo has been another great athletic achievement. But I think my biggest success so far is making it this far.
Favorite places/destinations?
My grandparents own a cabin up in the Idaho National Forest called 'Camp Hawthorn'. Ever since i was able to walk, me and my family routinely get to visit it. There's a certain peace and serenity with being in nature. It is my favorite place on earth to this day. Many of my fondest childhood memories came from Camp Hawthorn, ive been able to grow a very personal connection to the place... Universal Studios Orlando is also pretty cool too if you ask me..
My grandparents own a cabin up in the Idaho National Forest called 'Camp Hawthorn'. Ever since i was able to walk, me and my family routinely get to visit it. There's a certain peace and serenity with being in nature. It is my favorite place on earth to this day. Many of my fondest childhood memories came from Camp Hawthorn, ive been able to grow a very personal connection to the place... Universal Studios Orlando is also pretty cool too if you ask me..
Who do you look up to and why?
If there's anyone that I genuinely try to be like, I'd say I try to be like Jesus Christ. For me, I believe that by following his example I improve as a better person in life. I've always grown up with a strong faith and have found myself happiest when I put effort into maintaining that faith.
If there's anyone that I genuinely try to be like, I'd say I try to be like Jesus Christ. For me, I believe that by following his example I improve as a better person in life. I've always grown up with a strong faith and have found myself happiest when I put effort into maintaining that faith.
Current passions outside of sports?
I love photography, riding motorcycles, basketball, grilling and gaming
I love photography, riding motorcycles, basketball, grilling and gaming
What’s your next big goal to achieve?
My next big goal is to make it to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles to represent my country and defend my city
My next big goal is to make it to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles to represent my country and defend my city
What’s something no one really knows about you?
I could probably tell you the entire cannon Five Nights at Freddys Storyline from start to finish.
I could probably tell you the entire cannon Five Nights at Freddys Storyline from start to finish.
What do you do best? And what makes that possible?
I tend to compete at my best when the pressure is highest. Performing in clutch moments has always been something ive been able to do. My trainers, coaches, and the amazing program behind me that works behind the scenes to put me on the big scenes.
I tend to compete at my best when the pressure is highest. Performing in clutch moments has always been something ive been able to do. My trainers, coaches, and the amazing program behind me that works behind the scenes to put me on the big scenes.
What has been your favorite NIL partnership?
My favorite partnership so far has been with Every Man Jack. Who doesn't want to smell good?
My favorite partnership so far has been with Every Man Jack. Who doesn't want to smell good?
Why should other student athletes join 98Strong?
Joining 98Strong is a great opportunity for athletes to work with brands, athletes, content creators and make brand boosting connections. 98Strong is a great kickoff to your collegiate and even high school NIL career!
Joining 98Strong is a great opportunity for athletes to work with brands, athletes, content creators and make brand boosting connections. 98Strong is a great kickoff to your collegiate and even high school NIL career!
What has been most rewarding for you in being a part of 98Strong?
Being able to collaborate with other athletes that share similar interests and being able to brand myself as an athlete in the world of NIL
Being able to collaborate with other athletes that share similar interests and being able to brand myself as an athlete in the world of NIL
GALLERY
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