Dickens, who up until two weekends ago had the fastest 200-meter time in the state as a junior — “Now it’s the second-fastest time,” said Warriors track and field coach Rick Fillman — is looking to go to the state meet for the third straight year. Also a participant at the state swim meet, Dickens is what Fillman calls “a special athlete. And a special leader.” Q: First off I have to ask, how do you pronounce your name?
A: “Juh-nae.” The “D” is silent.
Q: How did your parents come up with that?
A: That’s actually a really good question. It’s a city in Africa. It’s French. I don’t really know.
Q: How’s spring break going?
A: It’s pretty good. I’ve been working and swimming and doing track practice.
Q: Do you wish you could sleep in a little bit?
A: A little bit. But it’s worth it in the end I guess.
Q: How’s the season going so far?
A: It’s pretty good. I haven’t gotten a (personal) best time yet but it’ll come.
Q: What events do you compete in?
A: I do the 100- and 200-meter dash and also relays, like the 4-by-100 and 4-by-400.
Q: So you’re really fast then?
A: I guess. (Laughs.) I don’t know.
Q: Be honest, do you ever get sick of running?
A: Sometimes in practice I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh. I really want to be done.’
Q: Do you do any other sports for Edmonds-Woodway?
A: I swim.
Q: Which sport do you like better?
A: That’s a hard one. I get asked that a lot. Swimming is less painful but I like track. I think I’m better at it.
Q: What else do you do in your spare time? (If you have any.)
A: I guess I read. Go on the internet. I like posting on Facebook. Normal teenager stuff. Oh I go swing dancing too.
Q: (Laughs) All that normal teenage swing dancing. How did you get involved in that?
A: We have a Swing Club at our school and some of my friends dragged me into it. But it’s a lot of fun.
Q: What’s a Swing Club meeting like? I’m intrigued. I can’t dance at all.
A: I’m still pretty bad. I’ve only been there a couple of times. They’re really nice. They … just … you dance. I don’t know. And some people are really good. There’s a competition that my friends are in. I didn’t want to do that because I’m really bad.
Q: What are some of your goals for your junior year of track?
A: Make it back to state definitely. Hopefully, set some more school records. I have (records) in the 100, 200 and 4-by-200 relay.
Q: You’ve been to the last two state track meets as a freshman and sophomore, what were those like?
A: It was really fun. It’s my favorite meet of the year just because you get to hang out with your team and eat dinner together. It’s a good team bonding experience.
Q: It sounds like you want to get back this year again.
A: Definitely.
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