Surfriders’ Track & Field Star Has Aversion To Mopping Floors
Kailua’s Kahoa Mikaele. Photo from Mikaele family.
There was no direct path for Kailua’s Kahoa Mikaele becoming one of the state’s top performers in discus and shot put, but she had a great example in older sister Vaioleti.
“She was my role model to push myself hard,” Kahoa said of Vaioleti, who was a two-time state discus champion for Kaimuki High in 2008 and 2009. “I learned a lot from her and my coaches (Chavelle and Red Crowell) at Kailua.”
It already has been quite a spring for Mikaele, who recently captured individual OIA titles in discus (141-03.00) and shot put (37-11.00). A senior now, she finished fifth in the discus as a junior and didn’t place in the shot put. But she rebounded big this time around to edge teammate Patria Vaimaona in both.
“I slowly progressed, and I’m happy to have made it this far,” said Mikaele, who competed in the 2014 state Track and Field championships last weekend. “I would never have thought it was possible.”
Mikaele recently took some time away from practice to visit with MidWeek‘s Windward Islander.
What is your earliest sports-related memory? I started playing basketball when I was 11 or 12 in a league in Palolo. I didn’t know what I was doing. I was nervous, but I liked it and I caught on. I started track when I was a freshman.
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My family, and putting my faith in God first. With God, everything is possible.
Who is your hardest working teammate at practice – the player who gives 110 percent at all times? All the throwers work hard and give 110 percent. There are three of us, including Patria (Vaimaona), Chauna Makainai and me.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? Instagram and YouTube.
What is your least favorite household chore? Mopping floors. I do it twice a week or, if I’m lucky, once a week.
What movie could you watch over and over? Fighting Temptations with Beyoncé.
When you head to a shopping mall, what store is your first stop? Sports Authority or Foot Locker – anything that has to do with sports or with shoes.
What do you like to watch on TV? I don’t really watch TV. I usually go on YouTube instead.
How do you like to spend your free time? I like to sing and spend time relaxing with my family.
You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Something from Taco Bell.
What celebrity would you most like to meet, given the chance? Beyoncé.
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