Lookout London – Freeman Might Be Headed Your Way

 

 

Seven-time state champion Octavious Freeman has her eyes set on gold, but this time it is Olympic gold. Following this season, the Lake Wales senior will have to decide whether to run collegiately or professionally.

 

“My goal is to go to London. My training is geared on training to beat the best. Going pro is something my family and I will have to decide what my best option is.”

 

Freeman, who has run lightning fast times in the 100 (11.11, aided) and 200 (23.19, aided) says the choice will come down to her ability to break national records. The starlet said that she may turn pro if she is able to break the national record in the 100 meters.  That mark is currently held by Angela Williams of California, who ran an 11.11 (wind legal) in 1998.

 

Despite having interest from the powerhouse programs in track and field, she has an idea of where she would run if she plans to stay in school. She plans to stay in state and has looked at all Florida schools. Her choice, however, might be a surprise to some.

 

“It will most likely be UCF. I will verbally commit in the next month. I’m trying to start my own legacy not trying to go to school that already has a track history. I want to study sports medicine.”

 

Another reason for the Knights lead for Freeman’s services is her relationship with head coach Caryl Smith Gilbert. Gilbert, who was a coach for the 2009 US team and has coached world class sprinters such as Dee Dee Trotter and Cleo Tyson, made a solid impression while Freeman was on a recent visit to the UCF campus.

 

“She is a good coach and a nice person. When I took my visit she seemed cool and like a mother figure. We bonded very well and her workouts are similar to mine.”

 

That family bond is something important to Freeman. Her dad is her idol and her coach.

 

“I got started in track because of my dad. He was into it and trained everyday because he loved the sport so much. Then one day I wanted to do the same because I looked up to him so much and wanted to be just like him.”

 

When it’s time for workouts the senior and her coach get down to business. Afterwards, she says it’s a little more relaxed, well sometimes. 

 

“At track practice we can’t be buddies it’s a time to be serious. He feels if we’re not serious then the other people won’t be serious. I would have to say that in the off season we bond and do other things with each other but from time to time he brings it up (track) when we hear about other runners.”

 

Her goal for the season is to run under 11 flat in the 100 meters and a 22.5 in the 200. She’s dominated the high school scene and even shown up some professionals. Octavious Freeman isn’t worried about the future but they should be worried about her.

 

“I’ve got my bullseye on the top sprinters in the world.”

 

London look out!

 

Personal Bests

 

 

If you we're an animal what would you be and why? I would be a cheetah because it is the fastest animal.”

 

Strengths and weaknesses as a runner: “Strength is that I am a rhythm runner. It doesn’t take long for me to get in shape as long I work my fast twitch muscles I will be alright. My weaknesses are my starts and finding someone that is able to work out with me.”

 

Craziest thing you did as a kid? The craziest thing I did as a kid is try to copy everything my dad did because I wanted to be so much like him.”

 

Favorite thing do in your spare time besides running: “I like to play basketball and hang out with family and friends.

 

Best advice anyone's ever given you? “Don’t be mad at stuff you can’t control.”

 

What would be the slogan of your life? “Life is like a mirror you often get what you give.”