Not only did Divya Verma '24 take gold in every event in which she competed at the USA Junior Track National Championships, but she also broke the track record for junior women in the Flying 200 meters event.
Her incredible performance earned her one of four slots to cycle for Team USA at the Junior World Championships in Tel Aviv, Israel. The World Championship was held from August 23-27, 2022, and Verma placed among the top 14 globally in each of her events: Junior Women - Sprint, Junior Women - Keirin, and the Junior Women - 500m Time Trial.
"Wearing the stars and stripes was truly an amazing experience and one of the happiest moments of my life," she says.
While no one can deny her talent, competing on the international stage requires an intense training regimen. Verma trains with a team of elite athletes in the gym and on the bike for 25+ hours per week. She says, "Learning to balance training and school was difficult, but with the help of my parents, coach, teammates and teachers, I was able train hard and maintain good grades."
Verma "really enjoys" the challenge of "pushing myself physically and learning to be mentally tough." Her coach, team, and their motto to 'be the best version of yourself' drives her determination, but she also finds inspiration from the cycling community at the velodrome, people who are "like a second family" to Verma.
"I enjoy helping with the community programs at the track because I started through the same programs eight years ago," she says. "It gives me immense joy to work with younger kids and help nurture their love for the sport."
That determination and inspiration already has Verma looking toward next year's Junior Worlds, her last year to compete in the junior ranks. "I came back from Israel with a new list of goals and a stronger determination to work hard."