Christ Church's Jordan Haywood talks about the 2014 state meet and goals for 2015.
Name: Jordan Haywood
Personal bests: 100m: 12.65, 200m: 26.69, 100mh: 16.26, 400: 1:09
Academic interest: English
Hobbies: Singing and dancing
Interesting fact: I'm a three-sport athlete
How did you get involved in the sport and why?
My neighbor, Andrique Heyward, coach at Hillcrest High School encouraged me to run summer track. My aunt also wanted me to run.
How have you seen it change?
It hasn't really changed much, but as I've gotten older the competition level has risen.
How do you feel you have grown in the sport?
I have matured a lot. I used to hate going to practice, but now I enjoy going to train because I know have to work in order to win.
What has been your motivation for this season?
I wanted to break records and win a state title.
How do you look at the rankings?
I look at the rankings every now and then. The rankings help me to see where I stand with my competition.
What goes throughout your mind as the gun is getting ready to go as you are waiting in the blocks or starting line?
Most of the time I'm just focusing on getting out of the blocks first.
Do you have a pre race tradition? Please explain.
Yes, I pray before every race.
How would you rate your season so far?
On a scale from 1-10 I'd rate it about a six. I'm a three sport athlete and my basketball team was competing to win a state championship so I started midway through the track season. My times have gotten better so I feel that this has been a good year.
Do you have any family members involved in the sport? Please explain.
Yes, my cousin Dorien Dickey, a senior at Christ Church, runs track as well. He's really good so he pushes me a lot.
What challenges have you encountered in the sport?
Track is a team sport that emphasizes individuals and I'm used to having someone that can help carry the load. When it's time to perform in my event I have to show up regardless of how I am feeling that day because I know my success depends on me.
Have you ever been injured? Please explain.
I've had minor muscle pulls, but nothing major.
What do you hope to achieve in the sport and in life in the future?
I would like to break the records at my school and win state multiple times.
Do you have post season track plans?
I plan to take a couple of days off then I start summer workouts for both basketball and volleyball. I also hope to run in some AAU/USATF meets with The Greenville Jets.
What is your favorite workout and why?
Over 4-6 hurdles, repeatedly.
What goals have you set for the rest of the season?
At this point I want to finish strong at state and PR in every event.
Looking at the 2014 state meet, what do you remember and how did that make you prepare for the 2015 state meet?
In the 2014 state meet I ran with Berea High School and I remember our 4x100 team finishing in fifth place and making it to the podium. Most people didn't know who we were and we definitely were not expected to finish in the top eight. With me being in Class A now people don't expect me to run times that are competitive with other classes. I want to prove them wrong and show that I can compete at any level.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what it would it be and why?
I would want to be an actress - another passion of mine. So I'd love to star in a movie or dance on Broadway.
Fun questions
Pre-race pump-up song: It depends on my mood. Sometimes I listen to gospel, sometimes rap, sometimes pop. It just depends.
Post-race meal: Pasta
Go-to karaoke song: Remember The Time By Michael Jackson
Favorite book: Heaven is For Real
Last movie you watched: What Dreams May Come
Favorite race or event to watch: Boys 100
If you could go on a run with any athlete, who would it be? Allyson Felix
