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Damion Thomas – Hurdling to Success by Noel "Bravo" Francis - DyeStatFL 2016

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DyeStatFL.com   Feb 5th 2016, 3:41am
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Damion Thomas – Hurdling to Success



One of the most exciting junior talents on the high school circuit in Florida is 16-year-old Northeast High School’s standout Damion Thomas Jr.  His attention-grabbing exploits started in 2014 as a freshman when he outclassed a number of seniors to win the 110m hurdles at the District 4A and Regional Championships and being runner-up at State. He is from a sporting family with both his Jamaican parents (Damion & Duchane) being former athletes and current coaches of Northeast High Girls’ Track Team. His younger sister Amaya, a 9th grader, is also an athlete. He credits them along with his coach, the very experienced and thorough Wade Clare, for having the greatest influence on his decision to run.

This truly gifted hurdler got noticed in 2015 with some eye-catching performances winning several high-quality races. His credentials include winning the 110m hurdles at the Golden South Classic, Brooks PR Invitational, Pepsi Florida Relays, Districts and becoming the FHSAA 3A State Champion. The only blemish on his performances last season was failing to make Team USA’s squad for the World Youth Championship in Cali, Colombia, due to a slight hamstring strain suffered in the preliminaries. Thomas is determined to make amends this season knowing that rising after a fall for any athlete usually makes future success ten times sweeter. 

The sprint hurdler who stands at 6 ft 2 inches has come a far way from the days of competing for fun in the 8th grade to charting his course to glory. He is on a mission to fulfil his potential and has a number of attainable targets this season and will be ticking them off box by box. Thomas has a good head on his shoulders and an even greater personality which is a winning combination. He is blessed with nerves of steel and has shown in his races a level of composure that belies his young age. Perhaps it is this mental maturity which gives Thomas the edge over his opponents when it matters. He is hungry for further success and is ready and willing to make the necessary sacrifice.

The young, bright (3.9 GPA) and improving hurdler shared some interesting facts and plans for the future.

Q. What is your motto?  Answer: “Start strong and finish stronger.”

Q. Who is your favorite international athlete?  Answer: “Liu Xiang – The World and Olympic 110m hurdles champion from China.”

Q. What nickname do your friends call you?  Answer: “Dami.”

Q. Who is your mentor?  Answer: “I would definitely say my mom. She gives me scriptures when I’m down and always pray for me.”

Q.  Some athletes don’t handle pressure well, how do you cope with pressure?   Answer: “I try to look at it as motivation; some athletes would be scared but not me. So I always look at pressure as motivation. You can’t succeed in life without pressure.”

Q. Who is your best friend in track & field?  Answer: “Definitely my teammates the H SQUAD.”

Q. Which track venue do you consider your favourite and why? Answer: “Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar, Florida. I grew up on that track from I was a little kid. Almost every time I go out on that track I run a PR.”

Q. Do you have a particular strategy during races? Answer: “I try to get a better start with each race. If I get a good start I know I will be in control of the race because the last half of my race is the best part.”

Q. What is the best advice you ever received from Coach Wade Clare?  Answer: “To always be patient and execute properly. Execute is his favorite word. He’s a very technical coach and with my speed his advice always comes together.”

Q. What is your PR over 110m Hurdles (99 cm)?  Answer: “13.64 seconds.”

Q. What was your most memorable race? Answer: “My most memorable was at the 2015 Florida Relays. In that line-up were three of the top athletes in the state and my first real test to race against all of them at the same time. It was a great victory for me.”

Q. It seems competition brings out the best in you, who are two of your biggest rivals this season? Answer: “I love competition and feed off it.  I see everybody as my rivals once I step on the track.”

Q. What is your mindset like when preparing for a big race? Answer: “I try to relax my mind and zone out everything around me. I usually listen to music and concentrate on my race.”

Q. What has been your biggest disappointment in track to date?  Answer: “When I pulled up at the US Youth Trials last summer. I was shocked, I had travelled so far to Lisle, Illinois in Chicago and to go out like that was shocking.”

Q. Do you constantly work on technical aspects of your race? Answer: “Yes. Right now I’m working my arms making sure I pull my arms through when hurdling. I believe it will make me go faster.”

Q. What’s your training schedule like? Answer: “From Monday to Thursday lots of hurdle drills, speed endurance workouts, weights training twice a week and on Saturdays I do blocks training.”

Q. What are your goals for 2016? Answer: “I’d like to defend all my High School titles and go a step further by competing at the upcoming World Junior Championship.”

Q. Who are some of the main persons responsible for your track success? Answer: “GOD for giving me the gift to run every day. Also my supportive parents and Coach Wade Clare.”

In the 110m sprint hurdle event, it is widely accepted that discipline, technique, speed, luck and experience are paramount to success. Damion Thomas Jr. possesses all of the above. He has gotten accustomed to barriers in his way, as always his task remains the same, clear them and get on with the job. He is confident of achieving all his goals with his humble yet competitive spirit. His map for success will continue to be driven by the three D’s, that is, determination, desire and delight.

 

 

About the Author:

 



Noel ‘Bravo’ Francis is a very exciting and creative freelance sports writer from Jamaica specializing in the fields of athletics and cricket. His colourful down to earth yet professional personality makes him a favourite amongst athletes and fans. Readers are often exposed to his detailed knowledge and passion that usually increase their interest in the athletes, events and the sport overall. He has a first degree in Banking & Finance and works in the financial industry. Contact Noel at [email protected]

 

 

Follow Noel "Bravo" Francis on Twitter @nanthonyfrancis

 

Read More from Noel on DyeStat Florida HERE



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