Two years ago Marvin Bracy was a senior at Boone High School. His first meet of 2012 would take place at the University of Florida's O'Connell Center, home of the Jimmy Carnes Indoor Track and Field Meet. Wearing a lime green and black Adidas speed suit, Bracy was down in the blocks for the start of the 55 meter dash. When the gun fired, Bracy fired out like he was shot out of a cannon. Anticipating the start spot on, he sprinted to one of the best performances I've ever seen crossing the line in 6.08 seconds. The mark was a new high school national record. At the 4A state meet Bracy picked up his fifth state title and third consecutive in the 100 meter dash. A hamstring injury prevented him from sweeping the sprints, and sidelined him for the remainder of the year.
In the fall of 2013, Bracy headed to Tallahassee to join both the FSU football and track and field teams. A year ago, the Seminoles freshman ran in his first collegiate meet, the Arkansas Razorback Invitational. Living up to the hype as one of the top sprinters in the nation, he posted a world #6 prelim time of 6.64 in the 60, and followed that up with a national leading time of 6.61 to win the finals. Two weeks later he better that time on the same University of Arkansas track, blazing a time of 6.54, fourth fastest in the world and a new US#1. Bracy took the ACC championship in the 60. That was the last indoor meet he'd run and his last meet as a collegiate athlete.
He's since signed a pro contract with Adidas, competed in the European circuit, and works out and trains under the tutelage of Lance Brauman in Clermont. This weekend Bracy will return to the O'Connell Center for the 2014 Jimmy Carnes Indoor Track & Field Meet and once again he will be running the 55 meter dash. Despite, not practicing the short sprints very often, he says he is looking forward to the event.
"We never train for the 55/60. We are speeding things up, but while doing workouts like 4-3-2-1. The goals for Friday are to execute a proper race. Of course, I want to win and just have fun. It is kind of neat to get back to where I set the record. I am excited to get back and just really excited to finally race."
From prep phenom to professional athlete, it's a story that has come full circle for Marvin Bracy. He says although the journey hasn't always been smooth, it's been one he has learned a lot from, and can't wait to continue.
"It has all happened so fast! It sucks that I suffered that injury back in 2012, but everything happens for a reason. It's been quite a journey and I'm happy to be healthy again. To overcome these obstacles and stay focused just shows my determination to really be successful at this sport."
More Coverage
- Marvin's Athlete Profile
- Article: Bracy National Record, Sanders Two US #1s at Jimmy Carnes
- 2014 Jimmy Carnes Indoor Track & Field Meet Page (We will have complete coverage including photos, videos, interviews, articles, and results!)
