For the most part everyone wants to be a sprinter. When you attend a track meet, you'll see the most athletes in the 100m and 200m. Some say they're the easiest races in track and field. Many don't know how hard it is to actually be a sprinter, unless they actually were actually a sprinter. From the numerous amounts of ab workouts to the drive phase repetitions, Lamark Campbell knows what being a sprinter is all about. So lets get down to it, Who Is Lamark Campbell?
Lamark is now a senior at Fort Lauderdale High school. Lamark started running track at a the age of five, while he was living in Jamaica. "I'm from Manchester and grew up in the town of Royal Flat," said Lamark when I asked him where he was from. Lamark made the trip to the U.S. in 2008, when he was only in middle school. His track career in the states however, didn't start until he was in the 8th grade.
This Flying L has came a long way from his freshman year when it comes to the 100m and 200m. His freshman year Lamark only ran the 100m, and ended his season at the 3A region 4 meet. His best time of the season was 11.15. After his freshman year his times began to drop and he ventured into the 200m territory. In the beginning of his sophomore season, he dropped a huge personal best in the 100 meters with a time of 10.95 and another in the 200 meters with a time of 21.90. After those first few meets, his times still continued to drop. It was to a point where people were asking, "Who is this kid? And where did he come from?" As his season went on his 100m time dropped to a personal best of 10.61. While his 200m stayed consistent, he began placing higher and higher in meets he didn't even place in just a year ago.
He dominated the 3A region 4 competition and made it to state and definitely showed major improvement, by placing 7th in the 200m and 8th in the 100m. As a junior he has stayed very consistent with both his 100m and 200m times , by also showing everyone that he is a force to be reckoned with. While doing this he was battling tendinitis in his left hamstring, slightly above the back of his knee.
When asked about which event he likes better, the 100 meters or the 200 meters, Lamark said, " The 100m, because its a fast event." While some sprinters just go out and wing it when it comes to running the 100 meters. According to Lamark his strategy is, " To execute the race which mean quick reaction to the gun, perfect drive phase and to make sure I lift and finish strong." Lamark has shown major improvement through his high school career, and when we were speaking about what makes him a threat he explained, "Usually it's my start but now it's been my finish because it's getting stronger."
This summer Lamark will be attending some big meets such as, the AAU Club Championship in Orlando and The Junior Olympic Games in Detroit. As we got into conversation about his senior year, he explained that his goals were to win all of his events at the state meet and break records and to also be the fastest boy in high school. This young man is a very ambitious and dedicated athlete, whose work has paid 100% when it come to college offers. He has gotten offers from Baylor, UNF, Alabama, Louisville, LSU,etc. Lamark says he interested in the SEC more than anything because its more competitive.
Lamark Campbell is one to watch, as every year he progresses. It's going to be interesting as many under class man are taking over the sprinting game. So keep a look out for this Flying L as he goes into his senior season. For he will always be an athlete 'Under The Radar'.