Name: Jalen McCoy, Port Gibson
Personal bests: 800 meters (2.00.92) 1600 (4:48.51)
Academic interests: Federal Bureau of Investigation / Forensic Scientist
Hobbies: spending time with family and friends, fishing, running, and just having fun
Favorite quote:
You have to be odd to be number one - Dr.Seuss
How did you get involved in the sport? I come from an athletic family. My parents, brothers, aunts, uncles, and grandfather participated in sports.
What is your favorite race and why? The 800 is my favorite because fast pace, and it is considered by many to be the "hardest" race on the track.
How do you look at being ranked as
one of the top in the state or in your classification for your event? I feel it is an honored to be ranked among the top in the
state. I have worked hard trying to be ranked among the best.
Do you have a specific motivation? My
parents motivate me because both of them were track stars in their own rights,
so I feel motivated to be my very best every time I'm on the track.
What has been your biggest challenge in the sport? One of my biggest challenges is trying to be better than my daddy.
What do you hope to achieve in the future? In the future, I hope to compete in the Olympics.
What do you hope to achieve the rest of the season and at State? For the rest of the season, I would like to help my team win STATE.
Walk us through a race/event for you (from pre race until post race). Pre race consist of getting my mind prepared for the race. I have a routine (listen to music, jog, and pray). Post-race consists of what I could have done different to better my time.
What goes through your mind? Being the best I can be in every race is always in my mind as I run, and I always want to win.
Do you play other sports? I played basketball. How does track help you with other sports and vice versa? Track helps me in other sports because it is conditioning at its very best, so when I'm involved in basketball, I'm not as winded or tired. I was able to convert baskets on fast breaks.
How and when did you start training for track and field this season? I started training for this season during cross country ,so I could have the endurance
What do you enjoy the most about your team? Our team is family. After track meets and sometimes practice, we go to the movies, and have a game-night together.
What team goals does your team have? Our goals are to take one step at a time and win STATE.
What do you feel you have learned from your coaches, teammates and the sport? I've learned what it means to be part of a team and to be a team player. My coaches have also taught me to believe in myself regardless the result.
What would like to see happen in the future in the sport? I would like to see Mississippi track and field to have a meeting of champions.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why? If I could, I would love to participate in an "All-Star" track meet where the best of the best could gather, mingle, and compete because that level of competition would push me out of my comfort zone and force me to reach heights I can't imagine right now.