ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: MARATHON JUNIOR MIKKEL ROSS

Marathon junior Mikkel Ross. CONTRIBUTED

Mikkel Ross
Junior, Marathon
Weightlifting

“Mikkel is a workhorse. She is constantly trying to get better, perfect her form and lift heavier than anyone else. Her competitive spirit drives her.” – Marathon weightlifting coach Jessie Schubert

An athlete like Mikkel Ross does not come around very often, and fortunately for Marathon, Ross spreads her talent to multiple sports. Her work ethic and drive are infectious. Ross is a positive influence on those around her, and she is as humble as she is talented. Her fifth-place medal in the Olympic competition at the state weightlifting championships last weekend was a feat no other Keys lifter managed this season, but Ross has already raised the bar for herself next season.

“Mikkel hates to lose, she takes it personally, and she’s already looking ahead to how she can improve and build on her accomplishments next year,” said Schubert.

For her unyielding drive, stellar accomplishments and the influential leadership she uses to make her team better, Mikkel Ross is this week’s Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Mikkel Ross preps for a lift at a meet at Coral Shores High School earlier this season. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
Tracy McDonald
Tracy McDonald fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.