Quick Q&A: Faysal Mahmoud, Burnsville track and field

Mahmoud is one of the top distance runners in the state. He finished ninth in the Class 2A boys' cross-country state meet this past fall. He posted a time of 15 minutes, 47.7 seconds over the 5-kilometer course at St. Olaf College in Northfield. Here is a closer look at Mahmoud:

Three words my friends or teammates might use to describe me? Funny, nice and hardworking.

Three songs I never skip on my iPod are … "Not Afraid" by Eminem; "Don't Judge Me" by Chris Brown; and "Too Much" by Drake.

What are your three favorite apps? Snapchat, Pandora and Netflix.

At my first varsity practice, I felt … scared because I was in seventh grade and didn't know anyone on the team.

To get focused for a race, I … listen to Eminem and focus on myself.

What are your goals for the upcoming season? To finish in the top three in the 1-mile at the state meet.

I know I have an edge on another runner when … I feel like I can outkick them.

What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete? Finishing in the top 10 in the cross-country state meet.

Who is your school's biggest rival, and why? Eastview because we just don't like that school.

In 10 years, I hope I … get my degree and became a mechanical engineer.