Kya Epps, an accomplished sprinter from Akron, has made a name for herself in track and field, setting two Ohio high school state records in the 100-meter and 200-meter races. Yet, her journey to success wasn’t always easy.
In eighth grade, Epps faced an unexpected challenge. She began experiencing extreme fatigue and dehydration, prompting her mother to take her to the doctor. After a series of tests, doctors revealed that Epps’ blood sugar levels were dangerously high, a sign of Type 1 diabetes. The diagnosis was a turning point, altering her daily life forever.
Epps was prescribed a glucose monitor and an arm patch, and she had to carefully manage her diet and hydration. Navigating this new reality while trying to maintain her athletic performance was overwhelming, especially for a middle schooler. “Managing yourself as a person and also throwing in a whole new disease was kind of crazy,” Epps said, reflecting on that time.
Despite these challenges, Epps channeled her determination into running. She established a routine that balanced her health needs with her training, refusing to let diabetes stand in the way of her goals. “I have to stay really hydrated because the nerves in my body make my blood sugar skyrocket,” she explained.
Epps’ perseverance paid off. She earned a spot on the track team at Walsh University, where she quickly became a standout, earning Division II All-American honors twice in her first two years. “I ended up being good and thought, ‘I think I can run with the big dogs,’” Epps said.
Her journey then took her to the University of Cincinnati, where she continued to thrive. In her first season at the Division I level, Epps set two school records and established herself as one of the top athletes in the program. “I’m just putting my best foot forward,” she said.
Now, Epps is set to compete at the NCAA Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. She is one of eight Bearcats heading to the national event, and will race in the 200-meter event. The qualification, she says, left her in shock. “I cried – I was just in so much shock,” she recalled. “This is all I’ve trained for since the fourth grade.”
Epps will race in the 200-meter semifinals on Thursday night, with the final scheduled for Saturday evening. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication.
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