It’s not every day you meet a freshman juggling competitive dance, cheer, and high school track—but for Josie Martin of Sallisaw High School, it’s just part of her routine. “Along with running track, I’m also a competitive dancer and a high school cheerleader,” she said. “I first got into track in the fifth grade—it was my first chance to compete in school sports, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
A powerful source of motivation for Josie has always been someone she admired from afar before eventually becoming teammates in different ways. “Kennedy Weedon has been a big inspiration to me since I was a little girl,” she said. “I first looked up to her in cheer and dance, since she was in the older group, and I got to watch her perform. As I got older and started running track, I was inspired by her again, especially since she ran hurdles, the same event I compete in.”
Though new to high school, Josie has already found her place on the team. “I’d say my role on the team is to help out in any way I can,” she said. “I try to contribute by staying positive, helping unload the bus, setting up our camp, and just doing the little things that are expected of me as a teammate—especially as an underclassman.”
Her goals for this season reflect both ambition and a desire for growth. “This season, my goals are to qualify for state in both the 300 hurdles and the 4×400 relay,” Josie shared. “I’m also focused on consistently improving and cutting time off my events as the season progresses.”
Training takes serious commitment—and for Josie, it’s a full-time effort. “A typical week of training for me includes lifting Monday through Friday, followed by running workouts,” she said. “On top of that, I’m a competitive dancer, so I usually head to dance practice afterward as well.”
Josie’s love for her sports, teammates, and community shine through in everything she does, and her future—both on and off the track—looks incredibly bright.
