Aldair Cid-Gonzalez believes in giving full effort every day and in every one of his races.
The Overland senior cross country standout will try to come up with his absolute best on Oct. 18, when he and his teammates compete in the Class 5A Region 2 meet, seeking spots in the state meet. The two-year varsity runner is coming off a 14th-place showing at the Centennial League Championships.
Cid-Gonzalez, 17, who also runs track and spent two seasons on the school’s boys soccer team as well, has a 3.8 unweighted GPA.
What is your favorite high school memory, athletically or otherwise?
The whole cross country season. I get the chance to meet people from different corners of the world and I am honored to run beside them and run with the best runners in the state.
What’s the best piece of advice ever given to you in sports or in life?
“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift” and “Running is 20 percent physical and 80 percent mental.”
What is the biggest sacrifice you have to make to play your sport?
I had to give up soccer, which I have played for 11 years, to continue running cross country and track.
Are you a leader? If so, what do you think makes a good leader in yourself or others?
I consider myself a leader. Not because I am the fastest runner, but because I come to practice each and every day willing to put all my heart and strength to become better than yesterday.
Do you have any quirks or superstitions when it comes to your sport or in life in general?
I believe in karma. If I’m willing to work hard and give back to the community, I will be given a long, happy life.
If you listen to music before a game, what gets you most ready for competition?
I would listen to Linkin Park on the way to the meet to get pumped and before the race I would listen to Lindsey Stirling to get me relaxed and focused.
If you could pick a person living or dead to spend a day with, who would it be and why?
I would love to spend my day with Steve Prefontaine because he knows what it took to become great and is willing to push through pain and injuries to become better. He isn’t the brightest, but he’s real.
What’s a sport you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t and why haven’t you?
I’ve always wanted to do a triathlon race, but can’t because I’m focused on cross country, track and school.
Other than sports, do you have another true passion in life and if so, what is it and why?
I love microbiology and genetics because I have always been fascinated with the smallest things no one stops to look at and how we are born unique.
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
I see myself working as a microbiologist in California, having a good home and a happy life. Living with the gal of my dreams and loving each other each day. A baby girl in my arms under a blossoming cherry tree. And I see myself running, running towards the horizon.
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at sports@aurorasentinel.com or 303-750-7555
