Salute To Seniors: Chrisjaan Smith - Lawrence Central
What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race would have to be last year my junior year at the UK Midwest invite. I hit my all time PR of 6'10.50" and was ranked top five in the nation and received so much national exposure. I also almost cleared 7'1 at that meet. If I did I would have broken Erik Kynard's record.
Who is your biggest competition?
Who is your biggest competition?
My biggest competition would have to have been Jonathon Christensen last year and Michael Moffitt this year. Both great guys on and off the track.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?
Hands down winning a team state title this year is the biggest accomplishment of all time. Finally put the dynasty tab on Lawrence Central.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If I could do it all over again I would have started track early. I would have been in more events. This year I tested the 200m and 400m and I ran a high 22 in the 200 and a 51 in the 400. I've never trained for either or those events. If I would have trained I could be one of the state's best.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
My biggest obstacle is getting over 7ft. Ive come so close and currently I'm over it. I just need to hit it at a meet. Hopefully it comes out at Nationals this weekend
What will you miss the most?
What will you miss the most?
I'm going to miss my team. We've grown up together since either elementary school or middle school. I've made some new friends through my high school career. Their great life long friends. It was more than just track with us. We hung out so much off the track. Great laughs and great friendships I just hope we can continue to keep. We were a family.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Advice for the young ones, I would just continue to stay hungry for your goals, but be PATIENT. Everything happens when its suppose to. Just continue to work hard. Dont be cocky, stay humble and let your performances talk for you. God allows things to happen on his time. Just be patient.
What are your college plans?
What are your college plans?
I'm going to The University of Louisville on a track scholarship. I'm going to double major in Sports Psychology and Business Management/Financial Institutions. I'm going to work hard and try my best to be a National Champion in the high jump. I'm also going to venture out to the triple jump as well as some running events and some relays. I plan to show that I'm more of an athlete than people think.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
First off I would just give thanks to Jesus Christ because all things are possible with him, and nothings possible without him. I seek him out alot and he always provides for me. Second I would give thanks to my mom. She's an incredible woman and the most important thing to me. My family and friends who help me get to where I am now would also get my thanks.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
First off I would just give thanks to Jesus Christ because all things are possible with him, and nothings possible without him. I seek him out alot and he always provides for me. Second I would give thanks to my mom. She's an incredible woman and the most important thing to me. My family and friends who help me get to where I am now would also get my thanks.
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Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: TGrasley@milesplit.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the class of 2012 on all their hard work and success.