JACKSONVILLE – Tiara Swanagan had one simple request to her coach as she handed her senior picture to her track coach at the end of the 2005 season.
She looked at Steve O'Brien and said, "Keep this. You will need this after the Olympics.''
The Jacksonville Ed White High School senior had just shattered the Florida state record in the triple jump at the state finals to culminate a career that had her starring at every level, from sprints, to distance running to cross-country. She finished second in the state in the high jump after four jump-offs. To make it even more intriguing, Swanagan finished seventh in the 100 meters with a sprained ankle after she tore the back of her heel during the long jump.
It marked the conclusion of one of the best seasons in recent Florida prep track. She dominated her district with wins in the high jump and was likely to dominate the triple jump before the Florida Relays were cancelled due to lightning.
The success brought her a scholarship to Florida State University for next season that is on hold until she passes her ACT test, but she's confident she can make the grade.
Not too bad for a girl who had never competed in track and field until 7th grade. Her career really took off upon entering White in 9th grade. She has since been named all-conference cross country twice and has dominated at every turn.
"I knew we had something the first day I met her in her 9th grade year,'' O'Brien said. "We went out the returning runners to go two miles the first day of practice and Tiara was with the freshmen. We told them to do a half-mile. Tiara ran two miles and came in second and I knew she was something.''
In her sophomore year, Swanagan learned the triple jump for the first time and took to it immediately. It wasn't intentional, but White needed points and lacked someone who could do the triple jump, so O'Brien called on Swanagan. She finished second with no training and convinced O'Brien that he had a natural.
"It was phenomenal,'' O'Brien said. "She picked it up so quick. All we have to do is tell her how to do it and she can do it.''
By the end of the 2005 season, Swanagan was triple jumping 42-7 ¾ and O'Brien has no doubt she can hit 45' before the Olympic trials roll around. If she can reach 45', that is world class and Swanagan has no doubts she can reach it. She currently ranks second in the nation in the high school ranks and is 19th in the country in the triple jump. Swanagan said she knows the triple jump is her best event but favors the 100 meters. Whatever it takes, though, Swanagan said she wants the Olympics.
"I'll do whatever it takes to get there,'' Swanagan said. "I know I can do it. I've been getting better all year. Hey, if Flo-Jo can do it, I can.''
Swanagan said she plans to take two weeks off before hitting the track again. She is studying for the ACTs and has no doubt she will be running in Tallahassee this fall. She also has no doubts that she will be running in the Olympics in 2008.