Photo Provided by Denzel Brown
First of all, how did you first start doing track?
Well in the 8th grade, my best friend Ramon randomly just told me I should start running track because he watched me run before in elementary school, even though I didn't know anything about the sport itself. So I just signed up because I didn't have anything else to do after school except play video games.
What are all your personal records?
Currently my fastest times are 10.56 in 100 meter dash, 21.65 in the 200 meter, 6.96 in the 60 meter.
Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?
I have not done any other sports. I would´ve but my mom wouldn´t allow it, mainly because she wanted me to be injury free (she also ran track in school).
What is your favorite or most memorable race you have ever run?
My most memorable race was the 4x200 meter relay my freshman year. It was my first time competing at the State Championships, and just competing in front of hundreds of people is just the best feeling.
Who are some of your favorite people to run against, other than your own teammates?
My best competition was Evan McClellon and Shaheed Hickman.
Wayzata's former coach Bill Miles and his brother Tim have been compiling Minnesota's All-Time lists for a couple decades, and according to them, right now you have the 11th-fastest recorded 100 meter time in State history. Was there ever a moment that it dawned on you and suddenly realized, "Hey, I'm pretty fast!"
Yes there have been a few moments when I realized I was fast. But I don´t feel like I´m fast enough yet.
What are your main goals for this upcoming season?
My main goal for this season is to be the fastest man in Minnesota history.
You raced Evan McClellon a couple times last year, including the race he set the 100-meter record in. Is it helpful having raced him and knowing what record-setting speed look like? Does that make you more confident that you can break his record this year?
Yes, it does help a lot. I know what I need to work on now. I'm not sure if it makes me more confident on breaking the record, but I do like a challenge.
Photo provided by Denzel Brown
Are you aiming for the 200 record too, or are you focusing on the 100?
I'm aiming for both records, yes.
Do you have any college plans?
I'm not sure what colleges I'm interested in yet.
Do you have any rituals or superstitions either on or off the track?
I pray and listen to motivational speakers nearly every day.
Who are some of the motivational speakers you listen to?
I listen to Eric Thomas and Les Brown.
When not running blazing fast times on the track, what might we find you doing?
Usually I´m just watching Youtube videos on the past Olympians from the 80s - 90s just studying how they performed.
Who are some of your favorite past Olympians to watch? What types of things do you learn from them?
My favorite Olympians are Ben Johnson, Maurice Greene and Carl Lewis. I learn to get out of the blocks faster, stay relaxed, and how they maintain their top speed.
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
I am ambidextrous.
