SJ Robinson
SJ Robinson is a 10-year-old who attends Lincoln Elementary Magnet School. He competes in track for My Brothers Keeper, an AAU team based out of Tampa. SJ is heading to the Junior Olympics at the end of the month to compete in Greensboro, NC. He’s currently # 1 in Florida for the 400 and 800. Nationally #2 in the 800m and #4 in the 400m.
What got you involved in doing Track as a sport?
Everyone kept telling me that I was really fast, so my football coach at the time encouraged me to try Track for conditioning during the off-season of football.
How do you practice for a sport like Track?
Typically, there are four scheduled practices a week and on the non-practice days, my dad usually has me run on our home treadmill.
If you could give advice to someone wanting to give track a shot, what would it be?
I would tell them that it’s not like any other sport. It’s very hard and you have to be mentally strong.
What steps do you take to prepare for Track the morning of?
From the time I wake up, I start thinking positive about what is going to happen that day. I usually eat a bowl of maple brown sugar oatmeal. I get dressed and then I turn my music on for the car ride.
Do you have a favorite memory involving this sport?
When I first started running there was a kid that I could not beat. Every race he would get 1st and I would get 2nd. I really wanted to beat him, so I trained really hard and the next year our first race of the season I gave it my all and I beat him! I’ll never forget that feeling.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
NBA Player or A doctor.
What’s a sport you haven’t tried that you would want to give a go?
Baseball. When I was younger I played t-ball, but I would really like to give baseball a try.
If you’re not doing track, what are you doing in your free time?
I’m really starting to get into basketball. I got a basketball hoop for Christmas, so I do a lot of shooting in my driveway in my free time and, of course, I love my video games.
What’s your favorite pre-meet or post-meet meal/snack?
Pre-meal a bowl of brown sugar oatmeal. Post meal – My absolute favorite, Wendy’s Chicken nuggets
What are your go-to songs to get you hyped for a track meet?
All my life – Lil Durk & J Cole
Dreams and Nightmares – Meek Mill
