The Race That Builds Character

By:Cayden Young

Boys' track and field is largely an outdoor sport, so boys have the opportunity to win medals in field events and set fast times in running events. Competing in track and field is a story of the journey of the athlete, a coming-of-age story, and track and field can be such a story. It is a vehicle for growth for the athlete, and by being committed to always trying to be better physically, mentally, and emotionally, they simultaneously discover motivation and the power of teamwork. From my conversations with KaVon Ahonto, Andrew Powell, and Namari Brown, I realized that, in addition to helping an athlete physically, track and field also plays a significant role in molding an individual into a disciplined, confident, and good team player.

Success in track, for many athletes, might not necessarily mean winning medals or getting first place. It is rather more about improvement, perseverance, and the friendships that come with the journey. KaVon Ahonto said that the first thing that pushed him to go for track was wanting to give himself a challenge, and that hanging out with his friends was something he liked. “I wanted to do everything that challenged myself, getting physically fit, and running with my friends that would keep me motivated,” KaVon said. As a sprinter, he tries to improve his speed, maintain good rhythm, and also work on getting out of the blocks perfectly. By taking a close look at his character, one can see that track is an activity that inspires athletes to put effort into what they do.

 The discipline learned on the track also carries into school and everyday life, helping athletes stay focused and determined. Additionally, track and field encourages goal-setting and mental strength because athletes must learn to stay calm under pressure and remain committed during tough practices. Track also teaches athletes how to support one another; during relays and meets, teammates cheer each other on, share tips, and celebrate improvements. Even when they face setbacks, such as losing a race or suffering injuries, athletes build resilience by coming back stronger. Ultimately, track and field teaches that success is earned through dedication and hard work, not just natural talent, and that the lessons learned on the track can guide them through life beyond high school. These lessons help athletes become leaders, inspiring others to stay disciplined, motivated, and committed.