I was recently awarded USATF’s Florida Athlete of the Year. To receive the award is quite an honor and I thank all those individuals who voted for me. But, as you all know, sometimes there is a story within a story. This is one of those occasions.
Shortly after I received the award I began to think about my accomplishments last year. I thought about my 200m race at the USATF Junior Olympics. Although I was expected to win, the noteworthy accomplishment was that I broke an 18-year record set by Obea Moore in 1995. If you’re asking yourself “Who is Obea Moore?” don’t worry. I asked myself the same question; especially since I had not been born when he set the record.
The issue of finding out more about Obea Moore became more pressing after the Olympics had ended. As my teammates and family were walking out of the stadium, a coach from the LA Jets track club ran up to me and handed me his cell phone. On the other end was Obea Moore! Mr. Moore congratulated me and told me that he was proud of my performance. He also said that he would be following my career and that I should stay strong minded and remain humble. Jokingly, he asked me not to break any more of his records. I couldn’t promise him that!
As soon as I arrived back at our hotel, I popped open my laptop and began researching Obea Moore. What I found was amazing. Obea Moore, a Los Angeles, California native, was a great sprinter. He set records in the Bantam, Midget, Youth and Intermediate divisions. In addition, Moore held the World Youth Best record in the 400m (45.14/1995). In 1996, as a high school athlete, he qualified for the Olympic Trials, but did not qualify for the Olympics. Had he remained mentally and physically healthy, it was believed that he would have surpassed Michael Johnson’s 400m accomplishments. However, Moore suffered several personal hardships and could not continue his track career.
Many may know Obea Moore for his great track achievements, I know him because he reached back and touched me. He did not know me, but felt compelled to congratulate me and offer me sincere guidance. We did not discuss sprinting techniques. We discussed real life issues. For that, Mr. Moore, I am thankful. YOU are the Athlete of the Year!
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