Episode #7: Claire Sniesak

Hello and welcome to episode #7 of The Blue Water Running Podcast!  This podcast features and celebrates the accomplishments of high school and collegiate cross country and track and field athletes from the Blue Water Area of Michigan.

In this episode, we will hear from Claire Sniesak, a junior at Armada High School.  Claire is a successful three-sport athlete, competing on the varsity volleyball, basketball, and track and field teams since her freshman year.   Claire was a ninth-grader when she earned all-state status as part of the Armada 4x400 relay, who took seventh at the Division 2 state meet in 2022 in 4:09.38.  Sports are a way of life for Claire and she loves to win. That all came to a screeching halt her sophomore year in September of 2022 when Claire jumped up to return a hit in a volleyball game and came down with her knee going one direction and her leg another, tearing her ACL. 

Claire endured surgery to repair her ACL, months of recovery, continuous physical therapy, and the obvious disappointment and emotional lows that accompany an injury of this magnitude.  She has come back this year to full athletic performance in all her sports.  She has a top-ten time on the Blue Water Area list in the 100, 400, and 4x400 relay.  She also helped her basketball team win their first district title in 42 years. 

We will hear from Claire about her injury, recovery, return to running, and her advice and encouragement to those who might be struggling with an injury or setback themselves.  The odds are at some point, an athlete will face unforeseen circumstances or disappointments that can make or break their mindset. Claire has been brave enough to relive some of the most difficult moments of her life to give hope to others who need to hear, “It’s okay and it will get better”. 

As Claire’s favorite quote says, “The comeback is greater than the setback”. 

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