Jayron Salazar, a Junior in Thomas A. Edison High School, is an up-and-coming Track and Field athlete who has made great strides for our Track team. Achieving 6th Place in his Cities Individuals track meet is a great accomplishment that has boosted his confidence and discipline.
The track season, a sport split into three different seasons—Cross Country, Indoor Track and Field, and Outdoor Track and Field—has already started. From late August through early November, athletes run the difficult Cross Country season, followed by the tough Indoor Track and Field season, which goes from early November until early March. And finally, the Outdoor Track and Field season happens from early March until June.
A Rollercoaster Start to the Season:
Since the start of the season, Salazar has had his fair share of triumphs and utter defeats.
“My times have gone up, but I haven’t exactly accomplished all of the high goals I set out for myself,” Salazar explains.
Despite these setbacks, the perseverance gained through these hardships is what has made him an amazing athlete. An invaluable experience any athlete goes through.
Inspirations from Past and Present:
Along the rigorous journey, Jayron has taken inspiration from his past teammates, along with professional athletes.
“Some people I’ve looked up to are my previous teammates like my old captain Joshua and an old teammate who went DII, Sekou.”
Keep in mind, achieving Division II in any sport is a huge accomplishment.
“I also look up to professional runners like Jakob Ingebrigsten, Yared Nuguse, Nico Young, Grant Fisher, and many others,” he said. “My coaches are also a big influence–they guide me and properly prepare me for my races.”
Lessons Learned on the Track:
The lessons that have been taught to Jayron have been invaluable.
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that you reap what you sow,” he said. “If you work really hard you will eventually see the outcomes.”
Another huge lesson learned is not comparing yourself to others.
“Comparison is the thief of joy. Track is an objective sport, and it’s easy to compare yourself to others, but there’s always someone better–whether it’s another school, state, or country.”
Consistency is also a key role in track. “Track is a very consistency-based sport. All your hard work accumulates over time, and if you take a long break, you’ll lose a lot of fitness,” Jayron said.
Important Achievements:
Jayron Salazar has seen many triumphs and successes over his years of Track and Field.
His proudest achievement, reaching 6th place at Cities Individuals, has brought him joy and confidence. This honorable achievement serves as a reminder as for what he has worked for and what he could also improve in the future.
Looking Towards the Future:
For the upcoming seasons to come, Jayron Salazar is feeling very optimistic.
“I feel confident that I can perform up to the expectations that I’ve set for myself. I’ve been working really hard in training, trying to take myself to the next level.”
