Some athletes know from day one what sport they’re meant to play. For Atoka High School senior Christopher Cook, it was a bit different. “I started throwing my freshman year of high school,” he said. “I started because someone wanted me to.”
Since then, Christopher has found his place as a thrower, competing in both shot put and discus and striving each season to outdo his past self. “My goals are to get even better than last year,” he said. “Self-improvement is very important.”
Christopher credits much of his growth to the people around him. “My biggest influences were my friends, classmates, and watching the Olympics,” he said. “I look up to my coach and grandparents. They always have the wisdom and experience I need.”
The Atoka track team’s atmosphere only pushed him further. “The team’s chemistry was really good,” he said. “Everyone got along well for the most part.” Christopher found pride not only in representing his school but also in sharing the experience with his teammates. “Community support is the most important thing in sports,” he said. “It boosts team morale.”
His training was a steady balance of strength and skill work. “A typical week of training was working out for an hour a day, four days a week,” he explained. “The other part is throwing for the same amount of time.”
Though his season wasn’t without struggles—“The most challenging is my throwing distance kept falling every meet,” he said—he fought through the setbacks. “I eventually started going back up in distance.”
That perseverance paid off. “A highlight was the first track meet when I broke my discus personal record,” he said proudly. “I threw 137 feet.”
Now a senior, Christopher is looking ahead to life after sports. “In five years, I don’t plan on throwing anymore,” he said. “I plan to be getting out of college by that time.” He intends to study music and focus on his passions outside the ring. “My plans are going to college for music. I don’t plan on doing sports after high school.”
Still, the lessons he’s learned will stay with him. “I’m most proud of always improving and getting better every day,” he said. “If you’re going to do it, put your heart and soul into it.”
