Kelsey Ackerman | Sports Co-Editor

Madison and Mallory Spear are twin sisters, and also both members of the women’s track team at Buena Vista University (BVU). The Spear twins come to BVU from Gilbert, Iowa.

For the Spear twins, it was never an option to attend college apart from each other.

“We always knew that we wanted to stay together and share the college experience with each other,” Mallory Spear said.

Both of the Spear twins are double majors in Human Performance and Physical Education. Having all their classes together along with track practice can lead to some challenges.

“We are always being compared to each other on the track and in the classroom. It can be really hard to come up with a separate identity from Mallory at times,” Madison Spear said.

Both of the Spear twins agree that the track and field coaches do a great job of treating them both as individuals on and off the track.

While some issues may arise, there are also many advantages to having a twin participating in the same sport.

“We are always there to push each other in practice to make the other better. We also get the opportunity to run on the same relay team which is the best part,” Madison Spear said.

Another advantage comes from always having a supporter and a shoulder to lean on when in need.

“She is always there to support me. She challenged me and picks me up when I’m down,” Mallory Spear said.

So while it can at times be frustrating at times having a twin sibling participating in the same sport as you, there are also many advantages; and for the Spear twins, these advantages outweigh the challenges.

“Being able to share this experience with her is the best. I can’t imagine not having the opportunity to run track with Madison,” Mallory Spear said.

Photo by Charlie Webster