University of Delaware Athletics
BLUE HEN SPOTLIGHT: Carolyn Darr Makes Strides to Overcome Obstacles
4/14/2016 3:24:00 PM | Track & Field - Indoor, Track & Field - Outdoor
Piece written by Erin Dunne, UD Athletics Media Relations Student Intern
From the time she was born, track and field junior Carolyn Darr has been presented with many hurdles in sports and in life. The sprinter has endured five surgeries in her lifetime, three of them taking place when she was just three years old.
The Centre Hall, Pa. (Penns Valley) native was born with scoliosis, a condition that causes curvature of the spine, and kyphosis, which is a curvature of the neck. In order to right these medical issues, Darr received three surgeries in her back when she was three that attempted to straighten her spine and placed a metal rod in her vertebrae that still lives within her today.
Despite the issues in her back, Darr states that it never slowed her down as a child; she played soccer from the time she was five and was a multi-sport athlete throughout high school.
“Surprisingly, it didn't stop me from doing anything physically; my parents treated me like there was nothing wrong,” Darr remarked. “It was always something that I was aware of, but I think because it happened at such a young age I didn't see it as a setback.”
But her injuries didn't stop there.
In high school, Darr tore the ACL in her left leg twice in her junior and senior years of high school and had two 
surgeries that left her with only about ten percent of the ACL. While this type of injury can oftentimes result in the end of an athlete's career, Darr was able to return to the competition that she loved, eventually resulting in her decision to run track at Delaware.
“At that point in time I think the hardest aspect of that was missing out on participating in the sports that I loved,” exclaimed Darr. “I was always on the sidelines; it was just gut wrenching not being able to compete. It makes you realize how much you take for granted.”
Wendy McFarlane-Smith“I think coming back from that, you know we say what doesn't break you makes you stronger, and she did a really great job overcoming the odds of her childhood and going through those traumatic moments; I think it's really admirable,” McFarlane-Smith commented.
Darr is an essential member of the squad at Delaware, after she walked onto the team, earned herself a varsity spot, and now contributes in a big way. She is counted on by her teammates for the 4 x 400 relay, the 400m, and the 200m. She is willing to throw herself whole-heartedly into any race, states McFarlane-Smith.
“You can always say Carolyn is going to get the job done. She is an asset in the sense where she is always pushing for better,” McFarlane-Smith said. “She's 
always very open to trying new things and challenging herself, and that's something you can't replace in an athlete.”
While the road to Division I athletics has not been smooth, Darr says it allows her to appreciate what she is given in life and enjoys rising to the challenges she has faced over the years.
“From being a walk-on, to being a team contributor, to being a team captain, to being a scholarship student-athlete, it kind of makes you realize how much hard work can have an affect on your results,” observed Darr.
A role model and captain to her peers on the team, Darr makes the most of practice and racing every day to ensure that she will never be overcome by the 
setbacks she has endured. She puts her whole being into making the most out of every day and yields results because of her positive attitude.
“It's just a really rewarding experience, I know that everyone has their own individual hardships and I just kind of see it as 'okay this is what happened, now what are you going to do about it,'” Darr recalled. “However you react to it determines what comes next. For me, being here at Delaware is just another reaction of 'here is what you made of it.”
For McFarlane-Smith, Darr has made herself indispensable as a runner, captain, and role model for her teammates. She looks forward to Darr continuing to challenge herself and push herself to her limits on the track.
“Every time I watch her run I get goosebumps because of her intensity and energy. She is always going for it 100 percent and I have spectators on the sidelines saying 'oh my god' watching her run,” said McFarlane. “She has heart and that's something you can't coach.”
Players Mentioned
