Carly Cockrum was in pain after finishing the 200 meters on April 24 at the Edwardsburg Track Invitational.

But that’s nothing new for the Edwardsburg junior.

Since late in her freshman year Cockrum hasn’t been 100 percent healthy.

“I have a serious mix of a sprain and a strain on my right knee,” said Cockrum. “It just sort of acts up now and then. We don’t think it needs surgery.

“I was doing the long jump my freshman year and in mid-jump my kneecap popped out of place the wrong way and went back in.”

Despite being limited, Cockrum keeps competing on the track and fighting competitors to the finish.

“There have been a few meets where I’ve had to scratch from some events, but I normally maintain running some.

“I take some Advil and push.”

At the Eddies Track Invitational, Cockrum placed third in the long jump (14-7 1/2), fifth in the 100 meters (14.00), fifth in the 200 meters (29.06) and was part of a third place 800-meter relay team (1:55.42). Gabby Golba, Abbi Nugent and Alexa Markel were also on that relay.

“I actually did a lot better in the long jump than I expected,” Cockrum said. “Really in everything I did well in the prelims and finals.”

Edwardsburg girls track coach Kevin Bartz has helped Cockrum navigate through track meets.

“We’ve talked about her injury in the past,” said Bartz. “We’ve got some things we’ve got to work through with that. She’s the kind of kid that does anything you ask of her. She’s going to keep getting better in the next three weeks because she’s finally starting to gain some confidence.

“She’s a battler and one of those kids that it it’s a close race she’s going to win.”

Before the injury, Cockrum qualified for the state finals in the long jump, but she was unable to compete because of her right knee injury. Her personal-best leap is 16-3.

She is driven to get back to the state finals in the long jump, which is her favorite event.

“I actually do want to get back to my jumping status that I had before and maybe my senior year be able to go to state.

“I’ve actually gotten better with my form so doing well comes down to the stamina of my knee.”

Cockrum, who started competing in track in middle school, can’t see herself not participating in the sport.

“The adrenaline and the competition in the sport make me love it and makes me come back each year,” Cockrum said.

Her attitude is 100 percent healthy.