Every month, we recognize two student-athletes, one male, one female. This month we recognize freshman Liam Salazar.
Salazar plays varsity for shot put and runs junior varsity for cross country at Birmingham Community Charter High School. He values the excitement each sport can bring even though cross country is a bit more difficult compared to shot put as he’s constantly exerting energy to go faster.
Q: What sports do you play?
A: I play both shot put, which is just a test of strength to see how far you could throw the ball in a certain manner, and cross country which is long-distance running.
Q: When did you start doing your sports?
A: For cross country I started running during the pandemic of 2020 and for shot put I started last year in 2024.
Q:How was your first year as an athlete?
A:The first year as an athlete of running is hard as you’re getting into shape and getting into the routine, that part is probably the longest.
Q:Who motivates you to do sports?
A:I get motivated to do cross country by both my uncle and my older brother Daniel Salazar and for shot put I get motivated to do it by my mother and uncle.
Q: What is it like playing a sport with your brothers?
A: It is fun to run with my two brothers Daniel and Nico, sometimes however it does get quite annoying when Daniel just comes up in front of me and starts to walk and run wonky.
Q: What do you like most about track?
A: Track is particularly fun because it’s a huge variety though most of the races are shorter and just need you to go and use all your energy really fast.
Q: How long do you plan to do your sports?
A: For shot put, I plan to do it for the next three years and for cross country as long as I’m able to run.
Q: What was your best achievement you’ve had in your sports?
A: My best achievement by far in running was last year running a 23 minute 5K and for shot put throwing the ball 31 feet.
Q: How do you manage your schoolwork and sports?
A: I try to separate my sports with my homework by just focusing on one thing, finishing it and getting it over with then heading to homework to do what I can and that usually works.
Q: What are your future plans as an athlete?
A: For shot put my goal is to get a 44 feet throw and for running is to just to be as fast as my brother and to run for a very long time.
