Ronald Deshion Fuller, Jr. talks about goals for this weekend and improving.
Name Ronald Deshion Fuller, Jr.
Personal Best
2015 Season: 100: 10.66 200: 22.27 Long jump: 21-7
2014 Season: 100: 10.70 200: 22.72
2013 Season: 100: 11:34 200: 23:19 Long jump: 13-4
Academic interest
Academically, I am interested in computer software and musical theory.
Hobbies
My hobbies include reading news articles, sprinting, and playing the cello.
Interesting fact
I ran the 100 at the AAU Junior Olympics placing third in the finals last year.
How did you get involved in the sport and why?
My first year running track was in the third grade. I really didn’t take it serious; it was a sport that I was trying out. After that, I stopped for a couple of years, because I took an interest in football. The reason I came back was because everyone even my coaches were telling me that I am fast enough to join the track team, so I went out. I went to Coach Steward, and told him that I want to run. Ever since my first day of track practice, I’ve loved the sport. In my opinion, it’s the greatest sport on the face of the Earth.
How have you seen it change?
When I started two years ago, I didn’t realize how important track was as a team and individual sport. My first year, I didn’t understand the significance of winning. Throughout the years, track has made me a better athlete not only physically, but mentally as well.
How do you feel you have grown in the sport?
Track has made me a more humble and competitive person. I look at the national rankings every day. It lets me know that even though I’m fast, there’s always going to be that one person that’s faster than you are. It has made me a greater leader too.
What has been your motivation for this season?
My motivation for this season is to get the best 100 time in the state.
How do you look at the rankings?
I don’t let the rankings get to my head. Rankings were made to give bragging rights for the top three runners.
What is going through your mind as the gun is getting ready to go as you are waiting in the blocks or starting?
When I’m waiting in the blocks, I’m clearing all the other lanes out of my head, and concentrating on what I need to do to beat my last time and win the race.
Do you have a pre-race tradition? Please explain.
My pre-race tradition is fairly simple. All I do is close my eyes for 2-5 min. pray to God, and right after that get a sip of water, think about what Coach Hawkins told me to do before the race, and take a short sprint.
Do you have any family members involved in the sport? Please explain.
Not at the moment, however my father ran the 100 and 4x100 when he was in high school.
What challenges have you encountered in the sport?
My first year running track, I had the fear of rankings. I would research the top 10 spots on the rank list. Then, when I get in a race with one of those guys, I’d be death scared. I overcame that fear at the AAU Junior Olympics last year.
Have you ever been injured? Please explain
I am delighted to say that I’ve never been injured before.
What do you hope to achieve in the sport and in life in the future?
In track and field, I want to be known everywhere by everyone as a track and field legend, and to go to the 2020 Olympics. In life, I hope to be successful and give back to those who gave their time to me.
Do you have any post season track plans?
My planes for after the state championships is to hopefully run a fast enough time in the 100, 200, and 400 relay to qualify for nationals. After nationals, I’ll begin competing in the AAU summer track season.
What is your favorite workout and why?
My favorite workout would have to be when we’re (teammates and I) doing block work, fly’s, and just speed work. That one day out of every week is the best day at practice for me. It’s the best to me because that one day, the competitive spirit comes out of me, and I must get a faster time than my training partner.
What goals have you set for the rest of the season?
My goals for the rest of the season are to go to state championships with the mindset of winning all of the events I qualified for.
Looking at the 2014 state meet, what do you remember and how did it make you prepare for the 2015 state meet?
I remember almost everything that happen that day at that very meet just like it were yesterday, but there were a couple of things that stood out. First, the 4x100 was my first state title my eighth grade year. I’m still shocked that I went my eighth grade year. Lastly, in the 100 last year I got seventh at that state meet. I’ve been training all season to make sure that doesn’t happen this year.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
It’ll be just what I’m doing now. Training with my teammates and Coach Hawkins.
Pre-race pump-up song: The Wire by HAIM
Post-race meal: Banana, Orange, Protein Shake, and a sandwich
Go-to karaoke song: Any song from The All American Rejects
Favorite Book: Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury
Last Movie you’ve watched: Star Wars Episode I
Favorite Race or Event to watch: My favorite event to watch is the 4x400.
If you go on a run with any athlete, who would it be?
If I could run with any athlete, it would be Justin Gatlin or Usain Bolt, because they are my role models, and they work hard to be the top two sprinters in the world.
