This kid will either run in the 2024 Olympics or stop improving after 8th grade. Hard to tell which, it tends to be the latter with child stars. He might get down to sub 4:20 by senior year, but we'll probably see a dramatic slowing of progress.
As expected he continues to improve by virtue of growing (more power and VO2max), and getting the high mileage in from an early age will do wonders for his running economy as an adult. He's basically getting conditioned like a kenyan kid. When done right this level of activity at a young age is what separates the sub 3:30/13:00 runners from the rest.
Parents pursuing goals vicariously through their trophy children is a real risk however, and it remains to be seen if this particular case is destined for world level success or not. The apparent focus on setting new age group WRs at [X years 11 months] every year (even on the local track) suggests either A) bulding a palmarès for attracting sponsorships or B) peaking for the sake of getting (useless) records, which sows doubt about having a well defined long term plan.
He's undoubtedly the most interesting prospect I know about, so I'll be keeping an eye on his results and progress.
He has been breaking multiple youth records every year since 2014, but zero in 2020?! Did he quit running, didn't compete because of Covid or is he just not improving the same anymore?
Most all of his racing he does near home in Sonoma County. His whole family rolls up to races in a large van as there's around 10 kids at this point I think (all homeschooled). There haven't been any races here due to Covid. Including our "Summer Track Series" that's open to everyone that seems to be where he does most all his track races outside of AAU.
Also should say, them being homeschooled doesn't mean they are barely doing any school and tons of training. All the kids seems well ahead of the curve academically for there age. Took a college chemistry class at my local JC and one of the 14 year olds from the family was in the class as well.
Can't comment on training other then they do a lot of barefoot running or running in very minimalist type shoes
I don't think there should be world records for 5, 6 and 7 year olds. Why start this young? Are there records for 3 and 4 year olds as well? What about a toddler race or babies crawling? Can babies use blocks? It should start at 12.
I don't think there should be world records for 5, 6 and 7 year olds. Why start this young? Are there records for 3 and 4 year olds as well? What about a toddler race or babies crawling? Can babies use blocks? It should start at 12.
12? Does that mean “get rid of elementary school cross country and track”? Many Newbury Park and Jesuit LA runners started in elementary school
No, sorry, I meant the world records. I don't have a problem with running, cross country or track for kids. I just think when we're naming 5 year olds as world record holders it gets a bit much. I mean the official lists.
His race was not rated but his time would have been good for a 181 speed rating in the gold race. However the course was getting worse with each race. Last year a 15:09 got a 181 rating.
There are 9 freshmen on the final speed rating list rated at 179 or better. He appears to be somewhere in the 5 to 10 range among the best freshman.
12? Does that mean “get rid of elementary school cross country and track”? Many Newbury Park and Jesuit LA runners started in elementary school
No, sorry, I meant the world records. I don't have a problem with running, cross country or track for kids. I just think when we're naming 5 year olds as world record holders it gets a bit much. I mean the official lists.
Belen Jesuit Prep has an 8th grader who ran a 179.5 at NXN, and he led the team there. Without him they would not have made NXN