It is well documented that Hallandale Magnet High School has become one of the nation's premiere programs for producing elite hurdlers. Chanel Freeman has quickly thrust herself at the top of the list for being one of our nations best hurdlers. Flying under the radar Chanel has developed an impressive resume chasing down her competition since her career began in 2013 as a 10th grader at Miami Scott Lake Optimist. As a newcomer to the sport of track and field, she has managed to overcome several obstacles that would cause the average athlete to shut down. Chanel Freeman is the ultimate competitor who has worked her way to the top - race by race - hurdle by hurdle. Fully charged and more focused than ever, she opened her senior outdoor campaign at the 2015 Hallandale All Comers Meet running 14.07 in the 100m hurdles.
Watching this dynamic young lady compete in the 100m hurdles, 200m dash and anchoring one of our nation's fastest 4x100 relays, you would not believe track and field was never her passion. “Growing up, I envisioned going to college on a dance scholarship. All I did before running was dance," Chanel stated. Both of her parents competed in track and field, her mother was a standout high school and collegiate runner at Florida International University. “We introduced her to track and field when she was 15 years old because we knew that she could be special if she worked hard," stated her mother Melissa Beresford. “I came home one day and my parents told me they'd signed me up to run track for Miami Scott Lake Optimist. I remember my response vividly. I said, track & field? You want me to get sweaty? My mother said yes, try it, see if you like it and we'll go from there." Having a vision for her daughter, her mother knew Chanel would fall in love with the sport because of her competitive nature. “At first, I didn't like to run because I lost my first few races and I hated the feeling of losing. When I finally won my first race, I saw that I was truly getting better and my passion for track and field grew. I can honestly say, I do miss dancing but I am so thankful that my parents pushed me into track and field."
Going into her senior season, Chanel made several changes in her preparation. She changed her diet losing 10 lbs, ran Cross Country, spent the entire offseason in the weight room and reconnected back to her roots by signing up for advance dance and movement to gain more balance and flexibility for the hurdles. “At Hallandale High School the coaches really put together a first class program" stated Chanel. “The coaches really challenge you to be the best and that's all you can ask for as an athlete." Her coaches are also thankful to have Chanel join the electrifying Hallandale Lady Charger Track & Field team. “She is a wonder to work with and is very coachable with the ability to be one of the best to run the high school 100m hurdles," said Head Coach John Battle. The notion that you can run 13.7 and be the second best hurdler on your team says a lot about the stable of hurdlers at Hallandale “Hurdle" High. “We have a lot of depth with our hurdlers this year and we want to put the best group on the track. Everyone has to compete for running opportunities and fight to keep them," stated Hurdle Coach Craig Howard. Most of Chanel's competition comes from her teammates: Kimani Rushing, Lamisha Simmons and Tia Strackman. “I know that if I'm not focused in practice or in a race any one of my teammates would run past me in a heartbeat. We push each other to be better and we work well as a unit," Chanel stated.
On February 28, 2015, Chanel continued her senior campaign success running an ultra fast time of 13.63 at the Miami Southridge Spartan Invitational, placing her currently as the (#1) 100m hurdler in the country. “I believe that I can run faster than 13.63. My goal is 13.3 or better. I plan to work hard and run my way into history books. Our coaches always talk to us about leaving our legacies behind. So when my high school career comes to an end, I want my legacy to be one of desire, determination and dedication. Great moments come from great opportunities and I want to make the most of my senior season."
You can catch Chanel Freeman in action at Texas Relays on March 27-28, 2015 and at the University of Florida Relays April 2-4, 2015.