Na'Seir Samuel, 13, of Down South Extreme in Miami (FL) will compete in his third consecutive AAU Junior Olympics this August in Greensboro, North Carolina. He will be running in the 200m and 400m. Samuel comes in as an accomplished AAU runner. It was in 2014 when Samuel first got his start in AAU, winning the 100m. In 2017, he was the AAU Junior Olympic and AAU Club National champion in the 100m and 200m--the latter where he set a record in the 200m. Samuel followed up that performance in 2018 with a title in the 400m at the Junior Olympics and at the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Middle School State Championships.
This past year alone, Samuel has displayed top-end speed in both events and will look to bring that same speed and potential to the national level. With multiple AAU titles already under his belt, Samuel is primed to be a serious contender at this year's championships.
Who: Na'Seir Samuel
Age Group: 13 & Under
Events: 200m and 400m
Where: AAU Junior Olympics, Greensboro, North Carolina
When: July 29-August 3
Breakdown: Not even in his eighth grade year just yet, Na'Seir Samuel is showing early signs of track and field stardom. He's a good bet to be in play for podium spots in both the 200m and 400m in the 13 & under age group. He's already posted a 54.07 this season and comes into the 2019 AAU Junior Olympics with a 53.55 lifetime personal record -- which he ran at the ripe age of 12 years old.
Samuel has also clocked 23.97 in the 200m this year, showing he has the requisite versatility. Last year's winners ran 50.42 in the 400m and 23.65 in the 200m. It should be noted that Samuel is still in the first year performing at 400m, making his times all the more impressive. In 2019, the 400m is the more of his focus, as he believes he ran it the wrong way the prior year. Technique and strategy were centered on Samuel's training in the past few months. Additionally, Samuel has been limited this springs, as the intention is to keep him in optimal shape for the summer at the AAU Junior Olympics. Samuel has a very solid chance of taking home the title in the 200m, and should be in contention in the 400m. Watch for Samuel as he attempts to add to his illustrious AAU career.
Note:
If you have an athlete headed to the AAU Junior Olympics with national title aspirations and has a good story to tell, email cory.mull@flosports.tv.
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