Ranked as the top hurdler in the nation, UHS student qualifies for Olympic trials

by Dylan Hamilton
Utica High School's Arrow Perception Editor

"On your mark, get set, GO..." and the loud crack is all that is heard. The mob of six or seven runners are seen streaking down the track and over the hurdles. But one orange and black clad runner takes and holds the lead quickly.

Senior Freddie Crittenden, seeded as the top hurdler in the nation at preliminaries, was ranked number one in the nation on March 9-10 in New York.

Crittenden took the first in the nation in the 60 meter hurdles at 7.72 seconds, just below the national record of 7.57 seconds. Qualifying time for nationals is 8.3 seconds.

The national win has put Crittenden one step closer to achieving his dream of making it to the Olympics, as he now has the opportunity to attend the 2016 Olympic trials.

"The only way to get this far is hard work and training. Sacrificing opportunities gave me the time to train while other runners went and had fun in the off season," Crittenden said. "I’ve devoted all of my free time since early November to become top in the nation; I will not leave without being the nation’s top hurdler."

Crittenden’s outdoor record for 110 meters is 14.2 seconds. He is trying to also break the national record, which is 13.3. Feeling confident he will get close, if not beat it, with all the training and practice that he has put in the past few months.

The road to nationals has been a long and grueling one to say the least: four months of non-stop practice and commitment put definitive meaning to the phrase "eat, breathe, and sleep track." Crittenden gave up several social gatherings and hours of relaxation to become the best in the nation. Wanting to be the best in the country means one truly has to work harder than everyone else.

As Crittenden sped through the preliminaries, he was headed towards his next challenge: nationals. He was nervous but confident that all his hard work would finally pay off. As Crittenden got prepared for the most anticipated race up to this point, the gun fired and a flash; just seconds later Crittenden finished first with a time of 7.72 seconds.

Crittenden raced a childhood friend in the preliminary race that took place in Seattle, Washington. While it was a competitive race, the two hurdlers decided that there would be no hurt feelings no matter who won. They wanted it to be a fun time and more about the time together, rather than jealousy towards the winner.

"It’s been a crazy year," Crittenden said, "but it has been a lot of fun and worth it."

With this win, Crittenden gained a spot on both the USA team and the All-American team. They also awarded him a National Championship ring -- all of these leading to the largest part, in Crittenden’s eyes: a shot for the Olympics. By winning the national level he gets an invitation to the Olympic trials to try and make the USA team.

"I just want to thank God," Crittenden said after winning nationals. "He’s brought me this far and helped me through the low points. I also want to thank my coach, Roger White. He made sure I was working hard all the time. He always told me to ‘keep plugging away’ and he put in a lot of time when he didn’t have to. His goal was to make sure I was going to do the best."

Crittenden’s plans are to attend college and major in psychology. But running in college is a must for Crittenden.

"I want to go into psychology because I find it extremely interesting," Crittenden said. "It’s something I could spend my entire life doing."
Crittenden’s offers for full ride scholarships include Purdue University, Syrcacuse University, Nebraska University, and Eastern Michigan University. All have benefits for Crittenden, in having either a good hurdling and coaching staff, or a good psychology program.

Michigan State University has offered Crittenden a scholarship anywhere from 85% to 100%. All options are still open to Crittenden, who plans on visiting each campus before he makes any final decisions.

"All that matters is a good education, my running abilities being able to grow, and good coaching," Crittenden said. "The location isn’t really an issue for me; I’m happy wherever."

While Crittenden wants to run professionally, he wants to make a rational decision; college comes first for him. Even if he runs professionally, Crittenden wants something to do during his off-seasons and even after his running career is over.

As with any sport, hard-work and dedication are the keys to success. Accompanied with a good group of supporters, good coaching staff, and a level head can get one even farther. Crittenden is a prime example of how those ingredients can make a phenomenal athlete, and the determination to get them to the top of their respected sport.

Crittenden shows that determination and pure hard-work do pay off. Being at the national level of any sport is an accomplishment, but having a chance to compete in the Olympics is another reward of its own.