Marvin Bracy on the 4x100 Team at World Juniors. Courtesy of PhotoRun
Boone’s Marvin Bracy is lightning fast. In 2010, the then sophomore standout wowed the crowd at the FHSAA state championships when he ran a blistering 10.19 second 100 meters to take home the title. Despite being wind aided, that mark gave him the fastest time in state meet history, faster than the likes of Chris Johnson, Walter Dix, Jeff Demps, and Chris Rainey. Bracy knew he was quick but wasn’t sure he was that quick.
“Well, last year was my first year so I was really excited about the whole thing. It feels good being called the fastest man but I don’t let it go to my head because just like I came out of nowhere so can someone else. I knew that I was pretty fast and wanted to test it.”
Test it is an understatement. He also took home gold in the 200 meters and finished second in the 4x100. He describes his sophomore campaign as “quite a year, real fun, but lots of work.” The hard work paid off as Bracy was awarded a spot on the Team USA World Junior team as well as named a Track and Field News All-American. He is grateful for all the accolades.
“It’s a wonderful honor. I never expected so much in such a short time. I always thought things like this would take time to accomplish. I attribute my success first off to God, then hard work and then peers that push me and family that supports me, my trainer/mentor and last but not least natural talent. Also, big ups to the Laxton family that help and support me all the way.”
That support has translated to success on the track for Bracy. This year the junior plans to add one more event to his arsenal, the 400. He clearly admits the 100 is his favorite but would like to add the quarter mile to “build his speed endurance.” He’s put in the hours over the past eight weeks and knows that’s what it takes to be at the top.
“I know I have a bullseye on my back but that motivates me to work harder because if you don’t out work me you will never beat me.”
Leading the workouts is former Florida State standout Ricky Argro whom Bracy trains with five days a week. Argro who was a member of the Seminoles first national championship team, along with Walter Dix, has trained some of the area’s top football and track talent. Bracy says his coach is a great person to learn from.“He’s a real cool dude all we do is trash talk each other but he makes me better. He's taught me a new block start that is so efficient. He has taught me to work harder in the classroom and sports wise. It’s good to know I’m learning from someone that has been where I want to go and has done what I’m trying to do.”
What he is trying to do is win, win, win, and win some more. Shortly, he will begin working with his fellow Brave teammates and prepare for the 2011 season. A football player as well, his goals aren’t just to win on the track but the football field as well.
“I want to win states again in the 100 and 200 and to make it to the Army All-American game next year in football and to hopefully win states as a team.”
One of his biggest competitors this year is related, so I guess you could say that quickness runs in the family blood.
“Yes, Levonte (Whitfield) is my cousin. We do not work out together but there is definitely a lot of smack talking. He beat me twice last year in the 200 but I won in the 100. It pushes us a lot. Thinking about demolishing him makes me get up and work harder.”
Bracy who plans to play both sports at the next level, admits his speed has opened up doors and opportunities he might have never experienced.
“Track has allowed me to be able to get a free college education. There are a countless amount of schools that I have been hearing from. I don’t really have a favorite. Every school is even until I take my visits.”
Personal Bests
100 Meter Dash
10.19
200 Meter Dash
21.21
Long Jump
21-4
Getting To Know Marvin Bracy
Do you have any nicknames? “Well, ONEWAYBOI because I was raised on South Street which is a one way street.”
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? “I would go to Africa because I want to see the where my ancestors came from.”
Who is your favorite athlete and why? “It is a tie between Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints) and DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles) because I love their style of play.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? “In ten years I see myself hopefully training for the Olympics and in the NFL.”
Video Interview from 2010 State Meet
Video Interview from Golden South
