Jimmy Clark: Get to know University of Florida’s XC star

Photo Credit: Joe Mizereck

 

Thanks for joining us. Today we have with us Jimmy Clark . Jimmy competes in track and cross country for the University of Florida, and was named SEC freshman of the year last season. Recently he made his second trip to the NCAA Division 1 National Championship (cross country) One of two gators to qualify individually. Tons of success has came his way with hard work and perseverance, check out what jump started his running career and find out much more!

Danny Duncan: Hey Jimmy, describe to us how you were introduced to running?

Jimmy Clark: “My introduction to running is a really interesting story. At my middle school there was not an official cross country or track team. The school went to one track meet a year and it was at the local high school. I ran the mile there and ran a 5:26. The assistant coach of the school there tried to convince me to run for the high school when I got there but I said I did not want to. I was a big time soccer player. Coach Frank is his name, he tried all year to get me to come out for track that year but I still said no. A new school opened up and I was rezoned for the new school. Coach Frank transferred as well and he convinced me to come out for cross country training the summer before my sophomore year. I was still a soccer player until after cross country season my junior year. And thats when i became a full time runner.”

Danny Duncan: How was your XC season, what goals did you have set for XC and did you accomplish them?

Jimmy Clark: “It was a good season for my team and I. As a team our goal was to make it as a team and place well at nationals, we didn’t have the best regional race, but overall it was a great season. Me personally, I had a couple setbacks mid-season with getting sick and having a little injury, but was able to finish my season strong and make it to nationals with my teammate Mark Parrish.”

Danny Duncan: What did qualifying for nationals mean to you?

Jimmy Clark: “Making it to nationals was huge. I was extremely excited to go for the second year in a row. One of my goals is to make it to nationals all 4 years and to get what I believe is the hardest two years out of the way. So it was great. On the other hand it was just different without my team there lining up next to me. Next year I know they will be there.”

Danny Duncan:  What has been your most memorable experience running in college?

Jimmy Clark: “My most memorable experience running in college is probably the NCAA Regional meet my freshmen year. It was my first 10k and for our team to qualify for nationals with 3 freshmen 2 sophomore’s and a junior on the line was amazing.”

Danny Duncan: What goals do you have for this upcoming indoor track season?

Jimmy Clark: ” I am not 100% sure if I am running indoor this year or not, but if I do my goal will to run sub 14:10 and 8:00 in the 3k.”

Photo Credit: Joe Mizereck

Danny Duncan: Do you see yourself ever running a sub 4 minute mile, If so when?

Jimmy Clark: ” I do not consider myself a miler by any means, however If I get a chance to run a serious mile I would hope by my senior year in college.”

Danny Duncan: What do you feel is the primary focus you and your team need to work on for next XC season?

Jimmy Clark: “I dont think there is any one thing I can point out that our team can work on! Everyone on this team is a hard worker. And everyone does what they are suppose to do. That in itself will make a team better.”

Danny Duncan: Do you feel you can become a national champion before you are finished at UF?

Jimmy Clark: “To be a national champion is no easy task, but I would be lying if I said its not a goal or dream. I will work my hardest to be the best runner I can be.”

Danny Duncan: Do you like track or XC more, and why?

Jimmy Clark: ” I like both track and cross country but for different reasons, I like track because you can really go for times and i like the 5k and 3k. However i don’t really like running in a circle for 25 laps in the 10k or 5k indoor. I like cross country because its a little more team based than track. I like to line up and fight for my teammates. I like that aspect of cross country.”

Danny Duncan: Do you plan on running professionally after college? 

Jimmy Clark: “We will see where I am at after my senior year. Right now is to far out to tell for sure. I think every D1 athlete wants to make it professionally, but only a few do. But its definitely a goal.”

Favorite sport to watch: “Basketball and Soccer.”

Favorite Class: “So far has been my astronomy class my freshmen year.”

Favorite XC workout: “Probably mile repeats but I also like short interval stuff like 400s.”

Favorite XC meet: “Our home meet. love running at home.”

Favorite Pre Race Song: “Lose Yourself: Eminem, Till You Collapse: Eminem, and My Time: Fabolous”

Favorite Runner: “I like how the younger Bernard Lagat finished but now I have to go with Galen Rupp. Been running really well.”

Favorite motivational movie: “Probably Rocky”

Favorite thing about being a gator: “Being apart of gatornation and being apart of this great team.”

I want to wish Jimmy the best, enjoy the rest of your college career. Follow your dreams and conquer those goals! We all believe in you.

Show your support and follow Jimmy on twitter: @JimmyClark8

Thanks for reading! Follow me for more @DannyDuncanPT

Gray Horn: Decathlon 2016 Olympic Hopeful

Hey everyone thanks for joining us! Today, I will be interviewing former Gator All-American and five-time Southeastern Conference Champion Gray Horn. Gray set a personal best in the men’s decathlon at the U.S. Olympic Trials scoring 7,954 points to take home the bronze medal in June. I will be speaking with Gray to find out his goals for 2013, his thoughts on the 2016 Olympics, and what has brought him to this sport and kept him working for so long.

Danny Duncan: How were you introduced to Decathlon?

Gray Horn: “I was introduced to the multi-events when I was only ten years old. My grandpa and dad took me out to the track and let me pick my favorite events. Turned out I liked all of them.”

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Danny Duncan: Why decathlon, what is it that brings you back to work every day?

Gray Horn: “I’m the kind of guy that gets bored easily, so the fact that I chose something that has 10 different disciplines doesn’t surprise me. I take pride in being the most well rounded, and most fit athlete around. That’s what gets me through it daily.”

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Danny Duncan: Out of all the events you compete in, which are your favorites?

Gray Horn: “My three favorite events are the long jump, 110 Hurdles, and Pole vault.”

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Danny Duncan: What are your goals for this upcoming season?

Gray Horn: “This upcoming season, I want to make the World Championship team and have a solid showing in Moscow. I feel like I have the talent to make that happen, I just need to address a few weaknesses.”

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Danny Duncan: With a bronze finish in the trials, do you have your sights locked down on advancing to the Olympic games in 2016?

Gray Horn: “After coming up short this year at the Olympic Trials, I’ve shown that I have the potential to be a contender for U.S. teams over the next few years. My eyes are fixed on Rio in 2016, and I’ll be ready to give it my best shot.”

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Danny Duncan: How did competing for the University of Florida help you to become a world class Decathlete?

Gray Horn: “There’s nothing like being a Florida Gator. Mike Holloway and his staff are the best in the nation at putting together the most gifted athletes around. They will continue to do that long after I’m gone, and running for them has been the honor of my life.”

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Danny Duncan: What advice would you give to young athletes interested in decathlon?

Gray Horn: “Any young athletes that are interested in the Decathlon should get ready for an emotional, and physical roller coaster. This event will have it’s ups and downs. It’s how mentally tough you are that gets you through those hard times, and up to the top.”

Danny Duncan: Who has been your biggest influence in this sport?

Gray Horn: “A couple of guys have been a huge influence over me in this sport. Aside from the obvious (Ashton Eaton, Trey Hardee, Bryan Clay), I grew up during the time when Tom Pappas was at his best. Watching him always inspired me.”

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Danny Duncan: What is the #1 thing you need to improve on to be even more successful in 2013?

Gray Horn: “If I want to reach my potential, I have to find a way to improve in the throws. I need to use my 6’4” 205 pound frame to my advantage, and gain some points there.”

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Danny Duncan: What has been your most memorable moment since you started competing?

Gray Horn: “My most memorable moment up to this point was when I realized I medaled at the 2012 Trials. That was really special to me. Having the opportunity to share the medal stand with two of the best athletes to ever live was something you dream about.”

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Danny Duncan: How was it choosing to attend UF?

Gray Horn: “Choosing to be a Gator was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made. The moment I stepped on campus, I knew that Gainesville and I would get along just fine. It was perfect.”

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Danny Duncan: How was it adjusting from your high school, to a college the size of UF.

Gray Horn: “Adjusting from my small town of 800 people to the division one level took about a yea to get used to. It was hard at first, but i knew i belonged there.”

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Danny Duncan: Do you believe you can win a gold medal in the Olympics before you’re done in this sport?

Gray Horn: “As far as an Olympic Gold Medal, I don’t know man. There is some unreal talent out there right now. I’m just going to fix all of my weaknesses, and make myself the best athlete I can be. But my Dad always taught me to never say never!”

I want to thank Gray for joining us and wish him the best of luck on his journey to Rio in 2016. Kill it man!!! We’re all pulling for you.

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Keep in touch by following Gray on Twitter @GKHorn

Thanks for reading! Follow me for more @DannyDuncanPT