Auburn, Ala.—Representing Team USA is a dream for all American Track and Field athletes. Auburn rising sophomore Dontavious Hill, made his lifelong dream a reality when he landed himself a spot of the U20 USA Track and Field Roster in June.
To fulfill Hill's dream, and make the USA Pan Am team, he first had to qualify at the U20 Outdoor Championships, June 21-23, at Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar, Fla. The 19-year old Hill's jump of 2.13m/6-11.75 and first place finish earned him his dream spot.
It will be Hill's first time representing Team USA in an international competition, when he competes for Team USATF at the Pan American U20 Championships Sunday in San Jose, Costa Rica.
"I've dreamed of competing for my country, and now that I've made the team, I just feel so complete. There is no greater honor for a track athlete." Hill said, who traveled outside of the United States for the first time.
Throughout his freshman season, Hill worked tirelessly to be able to compete against the steep competition present at the Pan American Championships.
Hill's coach, Scott Richardson says that he always strives to achieve a personal best and, "he is very ambitious and that's good but not always realistic." In high jump, it can be easy to get caught reaching for a certain high and Richardson believes Hill experienced this during the year.
Hill has felt many emotions as competition day approached during the US Outdoor Championships. More nervous than previous meets, he had to wait to compete on the last day of competition, but was able to maintain his composure.
"The morning of the meet I felt relaxed and at peace and just decided regardless of any nerves I had I was going to make the best of this experience and have fun above all," Hill said.
After warm ups on the day of competition, his nerves were completely gone because there was nothing to worry about. Hill had already made up his mind, "I just wanted to have fun and earn my spot on Team USA."
With one jump, Hill's dream came true. A spot on the roster, a spot on top of the podium, a gold medal around his neck and a spot in all of his supporters' hearts.
"I think winning the USATF U-20 Championships has done wonders for his confidence," Richardson said. "The talent has always been there but with that win, he's now starting to figure out the mental game."
Representing one's country comes with not only pressure, but responsibility. This experience has taught Hill the importance of mental preparation in order to balance the pressure. The responsibility grew even more as Friday he was named a team captain for Team USA.
"I now have a better understanding of myself and what I'm capable of," Hill said.
Looking ahead of the competition in Costa Rica, there will be twelve jumpers for which Hill has the second best mark and Coach Richardson believes "he's very capable of coming home with the win."
Richardson and Hill have discussed the importance of what it means to represent Auburn and the United States. Hill has a goal of bringing home the gold for the United States and for Auburn.
"It should be fun to watch," says Richardson.
Hill will compete Sunday at 11 a.m. CT. Results and full information about the 2019 U20 Pan American games can be found at https://auburntige.rs/U20PanAm.