OUR ATHLETE OF THE WEEK COMMUNITY PARTNER
Each week, Monitor staff selects and interviews a local Athlete of the Week. Learn more about their accomplishments, their goals and what makes them unique. We’d like to thank our sponsor Capital City Kia.
Our partners do not participate in the selection of these athletes. That is fully at the discretion of our journalists.
Concord High Thomas Saysaw took a big leap this season. A leap that put him among the best triple jumpers in the nation and the best to ever compete in New Hampshire.
That leap was made even more impressive because Saysaw is just a sophomore and has two more years to refine his technique. The list of accomplishments is long: He’s an NHIAA Meet of Champions State Champion; he holds the triple jump state record with a jump of 48 feet, 10.5 inches; he’s ranked 56th in the country and is the nation’s top-ranked triple jumper in the Class of 2028.
Q. How did it feel to become, not only a state champion, but a state record holder at the Meet of Champions?
It felt great because I knew how much work went into it. Being a state champion was special, but breaking the record made it even better.
Q. What are your goals for the rest of the season and moving forward?
I want to keep pushing my PR, compete against the best athletes in the country, and see how far I can take this sport.
Q. You are ranked highly nationally, No. 1 in your grade and No. 56 overall, how do you plan to reach the top?
Keep working. Rankings are cool, but they don’t mean much if you stop improving. My focus is on getting better every day and letting the results speak for themselves.
Q. What was different this season for you? How did you improve so quickly?
I became more disciplined and more confident. I stopped worrying about what everyone else was doing and focused on my own improvement.
Q. How do you handle the mental aspects of your discipline?
I keep it simple. Once I’m on the runway, nothing else matters. I trust my training, stay confident, and focus on executing the jump.
Q. What do you love most about your Track & Field team?
Everyone wants to see each other succeed. Whether it’s practice or a meet, we always have each other’s backs.
Q. What’s the most challenging aspect of being a jumper?
Consistency. You can be in great shape, but if your approach or takeoff is off by a little, it can change everything.
Q. How have you worked to become a better jumper?
A lot of repetition and a lot of work. I’ve spent time improving my speed, strength, and technique, and I’ve stayed committed to getting better every day.
Q. What question do you have for the next Athlete of the Week?
What’s something people don’t see behind the scenes that helped you become successful?