In running track, the competition is not about the opponents; runners compete against themselves.
“You can beat everyone in the field, but you’re still running slowly,” said Talyn Washington, senior athletic training major and member of the men’s track team.
Born and raised in Palm Beach, Florida, Washington played basketball for four years and ran track for two. He played basketball until his sophomore year at Berean Christian High School.
“My friend just asked me to try out for team, so I went out one day and started to run. My coach saw that I had talent, and I went on from there,” said Washington.
Although he wasn’t very attracted to running at first, he worked hard for a chance to get a scholarship to go to college.
It didn’t take long for Washington to use his talent at NSU. He ran 22.45 seconds at the FIU Felsberg Invitation in the 200 meter dash his freshman year. He also finished fifth in the 400 meter Kip Janvrin meet that year.
As a sophomore, Washington earned All-Region honors for his performance at the Peach Belt Conference Championships in the 200 meter, 400 meter and 4×400 relay team. Washington was the only male representing NSU at the NCAA championships.
Washington’s junior year was another year full of accomplishments. He participated in a total of nine events and was recognized by the United State Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association as an All-South Region honoree.
I got the chance to sit down with Washington and ask him a few questions to get to know him better.
Will you continue to run after college?
“Yes, if my times allow me to, and if I can run fast enough times.”
What are your future goals?
“I want to get a job as a weight trainer at a gym for sports performance and fitness and, possibly, continue to and try to get sponsorships. As of right now, I’m done with school.”
Did you play any other sports growing up?
“Yes, basketball. I actually liked basketball more than track, but track presented itself with a scholarship opportunity.”
What are your hobbies?
“I like to play ping pong. I like to play the NBA 2K15 video game.”
Did anyone in your family play any sports?
“My dad ran track in high school, but he was never really into it.”
Who’s your favorite runner?
“Michael Johnson because he set an unbelievable world record in the 400. I don’t think anyone will ever break his record.”
Do you have any special rituals before you get on the track?
“Nothing too special; I just try to stay focused and not stress.”
What do you feel motivates you the most?
“I just try to do my best to represent myself in the track in front of everyone. I push myself as much as I can. Sometimes, my teammates motivate me, but, for the most part, it’s an in individual sport, so you have to motivate yourself.”
How do you interact with your teammates in an individual sport?
“We practice together, and we know each other’s struggles, and we always try to support each other because, in the end, we always come back together as a team.”
What has been your most memorable moment running?
“It was probably my sophomore year when I qualified to go to nationals.”
When’s a time you felt proud of yourself?
“This season because I ran 20.98, and I’ve trying to run that for a while, since last year.”
Do you have a coach who influenced you?
“Coach Booth, I’ve been with her for four years. She knows me, and I know what to expect from her. She’s a good coach that looks out for her athletes.”
How would you describe yourself as a runner?
“I’m strong, humble and competitive, and I have heart.”
How do you celebrate winning?
“I always appreciate the accomplishment, but I still seek improvement. I don’t get too excited about it.”
What’s the main thing on your mind when you’re running?
“I get in my zone. You don’t want to focus on everyone around you, but you still have to be aware of them and focus on the race. Just execute how you’re supposed to run.”
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
“I would go to Jamaica. My best friend’s been there a couple of times, and I heard it’s beautiful.”
Who’s the most influential person in your life?
“My mom. She’s a single mother. She raised my sister and me, and she always tried to push me in the right direction. She sacrificed a lot for me.”
How do you balance between school and track?
“It’s hard to focus on both without letting one fall a little. It took me two years to find the balance.”
If a movie were to be made about your life, who would you want to play your role?
“Young Will Smith.”
Photo Credit: COURTESY OF E.CANAL
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