Northeast (Oakland Park) rising junior Damion Thomas is one of the top 110 meter hurdlers in the field at this weekend's Brooks PR Invitational. The 4A state champion has a personal best of 13.64 the second fastest mark in the field. His time is a 15 year old age group record, and one one-hundredth off the sophomore class national record of 13.63 which he hopes to break Saturday, June 20th at Shoreline Stadium in Seattle, Washington.
When did you first learn that you were invited to the Brooks PR Invite and how did your react?
I got the invite in the mail on May 8th. I was ecstatic and relieved I finally received it.
What does it mean to you to be invited to the Brooks PR Invitational?
Being invited to the Brooks PR is a blessing and shows that all the work I have put in from last July has paid off.
What do you hope to achieve at the meet?
I want to achieve victory in the 110m hurdles and also hope to set a personal record.
What music do you listen to before races?
I enjoy listening to anything upbeat. Anything that will get me in the zone.
If you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
I would bring a bible, a pot, and fireworks.
What would you consider as your best or most favorite race of all-time and why?
My most favorite race of all-time would have to be my 110m hurdle victory at Florida Relays. I set a PR and broke a national record.
What are some things un-running related people might not know about you?
I am part of a few students in the sophomore class that takes AP Calculus. I also plan on taking two years in a prestigious culinary arts program.
How and why did you get involved in the sport?
Both my parents ran track back in their days and now coach at the high school level. My sister started running before me and when I saw her practicing and competing, I decided I wanted to follow suit.
How has your training been leading up to the meet?
My training has been exceptional. Practices have shifted more towards fine tuning aspects of my race. I also had to transition to working on a different hurdle height for the youth trials.
What are you most looking forward about your trip, race and weekend at the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle?
I am very much looking forward to the race. The race features some of the top hurdlers in the nation and I believe this is my best opportunity to get national exposure, as well as a personal record.
