Sprinter Sanaa Rae Morris is hanging up her spikes as she shifts her focus towards pursuing a career as a film-maker and storyteller in Hollywood.

The 21-year-old has decided to call time on her athletic career after being accepted at the USC School of Cinematic Arts in Los Angeles, California, where she hopes to make further inroads towards her ambitions beyond the track.

“Pursuing a career in Hollywood is certainly one of my goals,” Morris told The Royal Gazette.

Los Angeles is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading centres for film and television production, making it an exciting place for aspiring film-makers to learn, grow and build industry connections

“With my acceptance to the USC School of Cinematic Arts and upcoming internship experience, I look forward to fully immersing myself in the industry and exploring the opportunities that lie ahead.

“While I am still at the beginning of my journey, I would love to build a career in film and television, creating meaningful stories that resonate with audiences while proudly representing Bermuda on an international stage.”

Morris has enjoyed considerable success throughout her athletic career and is bowing out in a blaze of glory, having helped alma mater Howard University win a fourth straight MEAC Championship women’s title and been included in the college’s indoor track and field MEAC All-Academic team this year.

“My time at Howard allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined,” she said.

“I was fortunate to be part of the women’s track and field programme, where we won four consecutive MEAC Championships. Beyond the victories, the sport taught me discipline, perseverance, resilience and the value of teamwork.”

Morris has also thrived in the classroom, graduating magna cum laude in recognition of her exceptional academic achievement.

“Graduating magna cum laude is an accomplishment I am incredibly proud of and one that reflects the support of my family, coaches, team-mates, professors and everyone who believed in me along the way,” she said.

Morris is “incredibly grateful” for the opportunities the sport has given her and the positive influence it has had on her development.

“As my competitive track career comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on how much the sport has shaped me. The friendships, memories, challenges and opportunities that track provided will stay with me for ever,” she said.

“My journey began with Bermuda Pacers Track Club, the first and only track club I competed for in Bermuda. It was there that I developed my love for the sport, learnt the value of hard work and built the foundation that would carry me throughout my athletic career.

“Growing up in Bermuda, I had the privilege of representing my country at regional and international competitions, earning bronze medals at the Carifta Games and competing alongside some incredible athletes. Wearing Bermuda’s colours was always a tremendous honour and helped shape me both as an athlete and as a person.

“Each chapter of my journey built upon the last. Bermuda gave me the foundation to dream big, IMG Academy helped me grow as a student-athlete and leader where I served as team captain, earned the Integrity Award and Team Leadership Award, and was part of a Nike Nationals All-American relay team. Howard University then gave me the opportunity to compete at the Division I level while pursuing my education.

“While I am excited to begin the next chapter of my journey at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, I hope to remain connected to the sport through mentoring, coaching, or supporting student-athletes in whatever capacity I can.

“I hope my story encourages young Bermudians to embrace every opportunity, trust the process and pursue their goals with confidence — both on and off the track.”