When did you first become interested in running/track?
I first started running track when I was 9 years old. My coach Andre Al-Ghani, came to one of my Soccer practices and watched me run around the field, then later asked me to come out to the Jackrabbit Track Club practice.
What other sports have you played ?
I currently play travel Soccer on the Regional Premier League at UFA and I used to play Basketball in middle school.
When did you realize, you had the talent to succeed in the sport? and who brought that to your attention?
I have been told by many people that I was talented in the sport of Track and Field, but one of the first people to bring that to my attention was Coach Mark Moxley.
What is your favorite event and why?
I don't necessarily have a favorite event, and can run anything from the 60m to 800m. I can narrow it down to the 200m and 400m, but I compete to the best of my ability in whatever event my coaches put me in at the time.
Who has been your most influential person (besides a parent) in your Track career and why?
Coach Andre Al-Ghani has been the most influential person in my Track and Field career other than my parents. Because, if he had not come out to my Soccer practice that evening, I would never have stepped foot on a track. Ever since, he has been helping my career progress, whether it's with developmental training, talking to college coaches, or helping to keep me mentally focused. Coach Davis and the Buford track coaches are also assisting with the process now that I run high school track before Summer track begins.
Do you compete in Indoor or Summer Club Track, and if not, why?
I compete in Summer, but only get to run about two Indoor meets, including New Balance Indoor Nationals, because I play Soccer during the indoor season.
What has been your favorite moment in your Track career thus far and why?
My favorite moment in my track career thus far would have to be Friday, April 20, 2018. I have always had people cheering for me, whether it's my parents, coaches, or teammates, but to have the entire stadium up on their feet waiting to see my time as I crossed the finish line and then to start cheering when they announced that I was MileSplit US #1, was a totally different feeling, than winning USATF Nationals, New Balance or just competing in general.
What are your ultimate goals for the 2018 HS Outdoor Track season?
My ultimate goal for 2018 season is to drop my 400m time down to a low 52, run a 23.50 in the 200m, and to reach 19-0 in the long jump.
What is your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject is Social Studies.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is Chinese food.
How do you spend your 'off time' away from school and the track?
In my off time away from school and sports I like to go to the movies and the mall with my friends.
What Colleges are pursuing you to compete for them already? Have you already signed an LOI?
With me being a sophomore I have not signed a Letter of Intent, but there are many D1 colleges showing interest in me for track right now, as well as a few for Soccer.
Do you follow MileSplit ?
Yes, I follow Milesplit.
What advice would you offer to young kids and Middle schoolers concerning Track and Field?
My advice to Middle Schoolers, would be that you should just keep working hard and fight through whatever obstacles that may come your way. Whether it's frustration with your time or growing pains in various parts of their bodies, such as their knees, hip, or ankles and just stay focused.. At the time, the pain may seem unbearable and can easily make you want to quit and try something else, but if they trust the process, everything will come together. God will never put more on you than you can handle. His plan for you is greater and bigger than anything you can imagine..
