Determination

Interview with Nkosinza (Ko) Balumbu

Sport: Track & Field
Year in School: Junior
Height: 5’10”
Events: Triple Jump & Long Jump
Hometown: Oakland, California

What has been your most exciting moment as a Razorback track team member?
Winning Indoor Nationals as a team my freshman year!

How far can you jump?
54 feet in the triple jump and 24 feet in the long jump.

How do you motivate yourself to keep getting better?
I think about my family and friends and their expectations for me. I know it makes them happy when I do well. I want so much to make them happy, so it motivates me to keep getting better.

What do you like to do besides track?
Hang out with friends, play/watch football, video games, and keep up with Razorback athletics.

How has determination helped you get where you are today?
I have had determination to reach my goals no matter what. This determination led to success in high school, and I have wanted to keep my winning ways ever since!

How has determination been needed with your team?
Our team has such a history of winning, that we are all determined to keep that tradition going! I know I have to do my part and get others to do their part so we can win more national titles! It doesn’t just happen.

What is one of your goals?
In life, I want to be successful and happy. In track, my goal is to win nationals individually and as a team and also to make an Olympic team.

What’s your plan to reach that goal?
To keep my determination and will strong every day. This means eating right, living right, practicing consistently everyday, staying away from bad influences and people who will distract me away from what’s good for me.

What are some distractions you face in reaching your goal?
Injuries, aches & pains, fatigue, and laziness.

What helps you avoid distractions?
Looking ahead to the end result. If I keep my focus on my goals and what it takes to get there, it’s easy to avoid distractions.

What are some obstacles you might face?
Falling short of some of my goals and how I cope with that. I can let it defeat me or make me better.

What helps you to persevere in spite of obstacles?
Knowing that there is never an ending point in track and field—you can always jump farther! Knowing this keeps me going even when it’s tough.