Ryan Clark (Banneker, GA) sealed his spot as the nation's fastest sprinter over 60m this weekend in winning the New Balance Nationals Indoor Championship with a US #1 time of 6.65. The title is his first at the national level and he followed it with a runner-up, US #3 All-Time 20.85 finish in the 200m. The University of Florida commit is also a standout 400m runner and represented the United States in the event at the 2013 IAAF World Youth Championships, where he placed runner-up as a sophomore in high school. Clark isn't slowing down, either - he's already run 10.38 for 100m and 20.85 for 200m this outdoor season, but we'll let him tell you the rest.
MileSplit: Congratulations on your national title this weekend in the 60m! How does it feel to win New Balance Nationals? (Watch the race video here)
Ryan: It feels great. I really worked hard for it this year. This season really was my first real indoor season, so winning it was the main goal. I'm just glad to be able to finally get that New Balance National ring.
You and Noah Lyles had quite the rivalry this weekend as you narrowly won the 60m and he narrowly won the 200m, as you both ran into the All-Time high school record books. Have you raced Noah before? Describe your relationship.
I have raced Noah a couple of times before. Noah and I are good friends. He was actually on the World Youth Team in Ukraine. I had to take care of the man up there because he was so energetic and young, but he really has grown as person and definitely as an excellent runner.
Did you think it was going to come down to you and Noah in both races?
Honestly, I thought it would come down to just more than Noah. For instance, If Andrew Hudson would have never pulled up in the 60, it could have possibly been a 3 way finish. Also, the 200 could have been just as close. I feel that it could have been 5 people that would have went under 21 if they had ran at their best. Plus Darryl Harraway didn't run the 200, so that's a possible 6 as well.
Ryan Clark (grey) embraces Noah Lyles after the T.C. Williams junior won the New Balance Nationals Indoor 200m, leading both athletes to U.S. All-Time Top 10 performances.
What is your racing personality like? What is it like to race so closely in back-to-back races?
My racing personality is what my coach (Winston) told us to be, "Dog Like". Being a "Dog" means that you have to be hungry to win by any means. I have to throw away all my pain and fatigue in order to win. When it comes to close races at the finish line, the anticipation is a killer. In your mind, all you think about is if you won or lost. Fortunately, the clock was in my favor for the 1st time.
How much time did you have in between the 60m and the 200m? How did you rest, recover and prepare to come back for the 200m?
I had maybe 30 to 45 minutes between the races. I just sat my legs up against a wall to recover them from the lactic acid. There was no need to do a full warm up because the 60 really warmed me up for the 200. I did a few stretches and run outs then I was ready.
What is your biggest takeaway from the weekend?
The biggest aspect of the meet was just the atmosphere. This was my first indoor nationals and it was just overwhelming .The crowds were into the races, had a DJ, everything was just nice and lively.
What is a typical training week like? (the more details, the better!)
Monday: Endurance Day- workouts focused on the 400
Tuesday: Speed Day- focused on 200 and below
Wednesday: Similar to Monday, but lighter and less effort
Thursday: Speed/Technique Day, block work and handoffs
Friday: Day Off
Saturday: Meet Day
Sunday: Rest Day
How many state titles do you own?
I actually only have two, one in the 400 my sophomore year and the other in the 4x400 my junior year.
Can you give me a rundown of all your personal records?
60m: 6.65, 100m: 10.38, 200m: 20.85(ind.) 20.83(out.), 400m: 46.33
Ryan Clark (grey) awaits official results after a photo finish in the 60m finals at the 2015 New Balance Nationals Indoor Championship. He won the race in 6.65.
What is the highlight of your track career thus far?
Winning New Balance and running 10.38. I've been running fast 100 times in like 35 to 45 degree weather with cold winds. So I'm a little excited to see what I can really do in warm weather.
What was your experience like in the Ukraine for the 2013 IAAF World Youth Championships? How did that race go for you? How did the international racing experience change your perspective about track and about yourself?
The experience was amazing. It was my first time out of the country so it was everything I expected it to be. The people were friendly and always wanted to stop you to take a picture. The language barrier made it difficult to talk to the local people. For the 400, I had to run 3 rounds of it which was new to me. To make it to the finals, you had to run 46. The final was tough, but exciting. I got out too hard and was leading until the 350 mark. The last 50, I was passed up by Martin Manley from Jamaica. I tasted the gold just a little bit then lost it. The whole experience showed me that you aren't just competing with US athletes. You are competing with entire world. You just have to be up for that challenge.
Do you have any funny stories from Ukraine?
I was about to wash my hands in the bidet in our bathroom not knowing what it was really used for. Thank God I didn't.
Describe your athletic background. When/how did you first start running track? When did it become a passion instead of just an activity?
I played about every sport from basketball to baseball. I had to eventually cut it down to two sports which was basketball and track. My dad ran track in high school and college so he placed me in track when I was 4 to burn some of that young energy. I was really just out there to race my friends. Around 13, I was running at a national level so from there I started to realize track is for me.
You are committed to run for Florida next year. What other colleges were you considering and how did you make your decision?
During the recruiting process, I was considering Mississippi State, Florida State, LSU, Texas A&M and of course, Florida. I ultimately chose Florida because it was my dream school since 8th grade. After taking my visit there, it was everything that I imagine it to be. They have rich history in my events and I felt right within the team. Most importantly, I really trust Coach Holloway. He is an amazing guy and I really can't wait to learn and grow under his coaching.
You had a lot of success early in your track career at the 400m. You seem to be more focused on the shorter sprint events now. What spurred that change and which event do you think you will focus on in college?
This is my senior year, so I really just wanted to have fun with the sprints that I don't usually get a chance to run. I didn't know that I would actually run them at this level of speed. I start to question myself now about what type of sprinter I am. To be honest, I don't know what race I will focus on, but it is up to Coach Holloway. Any event I focus on, the same hard work will be put in it.
When will we see you race next?
At Bob Hayes in Jacksonville, FL this Saturday.
What are your goals for the outdoor season?
My main goals are to focus on winning and having fun. Also, I want to be injury free. If I can focus on these then the times will come with it. But if I had to have time goals, they would be:
100m- 10.20
200m-20.40
400m- 45.70
What is your most embarrassing athletics-related story?
My most embarrassing moment would be falling in the middle of a race in 7th grade. I really didn't tie my shoes well back then. In the middle of the 100, my shoe falls off. I ended up tripping up afterwards falling face first to the ground.
What is one thing that most people may not know about you?
I'm a real NBA 2K game freak. I take that game so seriously. I spend many hours just playing friends or online. I really don't like losing at all in it. If anyone wants to play, always ready to give out losses.
FUN STUFF
Biggest pet peeve: Trash talkers
Guilty pleasure: Hershey Pies from Burger King
Pre-race pump-up song: I listen to many rap artists to get me hype
If you're not training, you're probably... playing NBA 2k or basketball
Last book you read: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Favorite movie: Juice
If you could have dinner with any 3 people, you would choose... Michael Johnson, Jesse Owens and MLK
