FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Former Razorback Taliyah Brooks is officially on her way to the Paris Games, where she will compete in the heptathlon for Team USA.
Brooks placed third at the U.S. Olympic Trials in June, as the top three athletes who meet the Olympic standard qualify for the games. Although she didn't have the standard, Brooks knew she was in because she was ranked No. 16 in the world in the heptathlon.
"I'm still shocked that I didn't cry in the moment," Brooks said. "I think because it was something that I had expected of myself. I did end up crying, but it was a few hours later."
Going to the Olympics wasn't always the main goal for the Wichita Falls, Texas, native. Her family emphasized going to college first.
"We come from very humble beginnings," Brooks said. "For us, it was always like, 'We need y'all to go to college and run track so that your school can be paid for so that you have an education so that your life can be better.'"
Brooks graduated from Arkansas in 2018, was an eight-time All-American and claimed an individual championship in the indoor pentathlon.
Despite her collegiate success, Brooks didn't get her first professional contract until 2021, when she signed with Asics. Before that, she was balancing a full-time job in the athletics department at the University of Arkansas.
"It's different going to school and running track and then working a job in running track," Brooks said. "The first two years out, I was injured quite a bit, and I think part of it was like me being up on my feet a lot, but the athletic department Arkansas was super supportive."
At the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials for the Tokyo Games, Brooks was confident she'd make Team USA. However, she suffered heat exhaustion and couldn't finish her events.
This year's trials were a comeback for the ages.
"We've worked twice as hard," Brooks said. "We've had to wait twice as long, and it's like, it's ours to take."
Of course, Brooks is looking forward to the competition but also hopes to enjoy everything Paris has to offer.
"I'm looking forward to shopping," Brooks said. "I'm going to the opening ceremony. I'm going to go watch gymnastics and table tennis. I'm excited to take in the experience."