Zaniya King Is Racing To Be River Rouge's First World Champion

Zaniya King walked across the stage of River Rouge High School in June. She has been running across the country for quite some time now. In the 6th grade, King joined the track team. The coaches quickly recognized her talent, and encouraged the King family to consider track outside of middle school athletics. This encouraged Zaniya and her family to adapt to track on as a lifestyle.

The 2022 River Rouge alumni joined AAU track, and was accepted with open arms into the Track Life family. Throughout off seasons at Rouge, Zaniya would run indoor track for the AAU team. This is the process that led her through her entire track career. Zaniya became faster, dedicated, and built a passion to track due to her double shifts. Unfortunately at a time, Zaniya's career was placed on hiatus from the Covid Pandemic.

Being forced away from track took a personal toll on Zaniya. The quarantine caused her to question if the spark for the sport still existed. The decision Zaniya made rests in her numbers and results moving forward. King is undefeated in regular season track. She won All-State Indoor in the 200 and 4x200, Outdoor Regional Champ in the 100 and 200, all-state in the 200, AAU Season Regional Champ in 200 and 4x100, and holds the River Rouge school record for the 100, 200, and 400 races.

Track is more than a sport for Zaniya. It has become a lifestyle. She has traveled across the city for training, and across the country to compete. Zaniya didn't necessarily consider the division of college when it was time to make her choice. Zaniya chose to go to Indian Hills Community College in Iowa to further her education and career. The decision was based on the head coach Brent Ewing's rate of success. He has had a recent runner in the World Games. Zaniya believes the skills and passion she possesses can easily take her there.

High school is only four years, but track is forever. Zaniya currently runs AAU, she will always be a part of the Track Life family. She is also competing in the Junior Olympics, and is fighting for an All American title. The King family will be hauling Zaniya off to Iowa in a matter of weeks. She is not scared, shy, or afraid of what will come next. Zaniya is well prepared, and focused on continuing her legacy. Her family will be doing so in her absence from the city. Zaniya's father, Fred King, will be donating five hundred dollars to a downriver, female track athlete in Zaynia's name. .

Xavier Jones - What do you like most about running track?

Zaniya King - Winning! I've never taken a loss in any regular season. The only three losses against me are in AAU and high school state championships.

Xavier Jones - How does the Junior Olympics process work?

Zaniya King - There's a regional meet in each state you have to qualify for. Only the top six advance. I placed first. After that there's another week of races, the top eight will be considered All American.

Xavier Jones - What made you decide to choose Indian Hills Community College?

Zaniya King - It was my top choice of schools. The coach really gave me a warm welcome. He has a great reputation. The runners he trains actually get faster, and improve in their times. That's exactly what I need if I plan to compete professionally.

Xavier Jones - What kind of support have you gotten from your family?

Zaniya King - The people around have helped me not to be afraid, to be prepared, and not wait until the last minute to get things done. They want me to get certain things done right now, so I won't have to stress about them when I make it to Iowa. It's helped a lot and made everything much easier.

Xavier Jones - What major do you plan on taking up?

Zaniya King - Right now it's arts and sciences, but I'm considering changing it to sports medicine. I love track, I don't want to leave it alone. If it ever comes to a point where I'm not running anymore, I want the opportunity to train other athletes. Preferably professional athletes.

Congratulations from the Telegram News and Good Luck.