“Bam!” And they are off bulleting out the blocks with a vibrant view of the finish line. The wind slept while the crowd roared their cheers. 150m into the 400m race at the 1992 Olympics, it happened – the hamstring tore throwing a “pop” sound. One runner plummeted to the track, frozen, broken and punched by pain, Olympian Derek Redmond. He knelt and stared at the other athletes triumphantly crossing the line. Officials rushed to his aid, he refused. One can imagine the enticing and cogent temptation to be escorted off the track by the doctors, after all, the race was considered lost. But an athlete understands all too well, that the mind outshines the strength of the body. It takes a strong mind to overcome and to finish that race. They pleaded for him stop “the race is over”, but Derek’s inner muscularity triumphed, he refused the aid and began hopping until he crossed that finish line.
Team Track & Mingle has paced the attention on one such athlete, one who has defied the odds, who has embraced unchartered territories and who no longer runs to be the fastest, but to embrace the glory of finishing the race. Meet Anphia Morgan aka “Star Girl”.
Anphia (The Champion, Star Girl) is not the typical being, she is not coloured by the shade of athletic and social norms, neither has she sprung from a root of conformity in fact, she describes herself as “Anphia Good Bady Morgan” or “Rebellious” - her rebellion is not one that seeks to divide but drives her strong and unapologetic passion to pursue anything she is told she cannot do and to overcome the limitations society inflicts. This star girl does not land in the laps of many, due to her opinionated and candid nature yet, once her space is met with an authentic and transparent virtue, she gives it all. Not only did Team Track & Mingle sit and vibe with this Air Navigation Services Operations Officer, but her running space was also shared, to be told her story from the lips of experience.
Who is Anphia?
“I was born in the Parish of St. Thomas and moved to Kingston before I was six years old, I had a rough childhood. I left home at the age 17, so I had to fend for myself while finishing final year at the St. Hugh’s High. My circumstance at home was caustic and abusive. Even though my early journey was a struggle, from an early age I knew I was gifted in the faculty of strength and courage. Yes, I lived in chaos but that script I would not grind, struggles are important for growth, therefore I am strong at heart and strong in mind”. Anphia had many childhood skeletons to unearth, and faces to confront yet all, she has met with radical love, a love that dissolved the record and obliterated unforgiving thoughts that were assiduous.
What do you want person to see when they see Anphia?
“I want people to see strength in a positive way, a woman who confronts and stands for her views and passion to serve. I want people to understand that I am victorious in who I am and in what I do”.
Anphia is the epitome of a champion. She is originally a sprinter as opposed to long distance runner- yes, a former member of Jamaica Masters until she encountered a brick wall. That wall blocked her idiopathically and adamantly. She was on her trajectory of being adorned as one of the best but noticed her erratic decline in performance. February 2018 came, and she was mutated into another type of runner. Unable to run at her usual pace she sought medical intervention then…December 2020 came (her full diagnosis). She has a chronic and life-threatening medical condition that has literally adjusted her body (inside-out). She met her brick wall but, like a champion, she CLIMBED IT and JUMPED OVER! Doctors are baffled as to her consistent ability to run and to finish – she is a medical marvel.
What are you like socially?
“Me…mih luv luv music and dance. Mi seh me a dih fuss fih guh pon mih head tap! All a Gym…no sah, mih luv dance lol. I am a fitness fanatic and I love to enjoy life, life is there to enjoy and I have learnt to love what life unfolds as my gift every day. My illness has affected me in a multi-dimensional format but, I am not merely alive, I live life with a smile.”
What is your running space like?
“Running is my therapy and I look forward to it. It means that I continue to breathe, to live, to laugh, to defy and to smile. Running is not an event, for me it is life, it is joy unfolding and victory being moulded. I also fall a lot “maasa mih nuh ramp fih drap man”.
Anphia bragged about her ever-frequent falls during running. “Mih drap like hat gal buy new clothes, I would drop at the same spot twice – when going and coming”. Anphia has a hilarious edge, she knows how to crack you up!
Apart from running, what is another passion of yours?
“Mentorship! That is who I am at heart too, a mentor. I was a part of YOU (Youth Opportunity Unlimited) and YUTE (Youth Upliftment Through Employment). Currently, I mentor youths that are considered marginalised. This is a gratifying experience, to be able to give of myself willingly and sacrificially.” She lives in the narratives of her mantra “to whom much is given, much is expected”.
Why Pacers as your Running Family?
“I was introduced to the club by a friend and member. I did not go to become a member, but I was impressed with the professionalism and the structure the club orchestrated. The Saturday runs became a staple and it made sense to make the commitment.
Is there anyone in Pacers Club you are motivated by?
“Well, I am self-motivated to put that out there but, I am impressed with the generosity of some of the members and currently impressed by the attitude and stance of our President, Queenie. She is not afraid to confront, respectfully so, and she has shown real strength and vigour. I would like to use this platform to say thanks for the patience and support as I race to the finish line each Saturday.
Anphia’s champion heart resonates! Each step she takes on the track is met with grace and determination. Being cognizant of the impediment that wars against her without remorse, she has a stubborn will to triumph over the medical report, she has a courage that is rock-hard, and a smile that cracks the temptation to give in.
Each time we witness this Star Girl running her race, it is an untarnished victory lap. It is her story being written, it is true strength and the guts to defy the odds. We solute this woman of courage and sheer passion to serve!
“To be a champion, you have to see the BIG picture. It is not about winning and losing; It is about every day hard work and about thriving on a challenge. It is about embracing the pain you will experience at the end of a race and not being afraid” – AVERSTU.COM