Last season the North Forest track program sent two athletes to compete for state titles. This season, with intense training and another group of dedicated athletes, they hope to send more.
One of those athletes seeking to represent his school is Sean Armstrong, a sophomore who recently advanced to the 4A area meet with a time of 50.06 in the 400-meter and 22.99 in the 200-meter dash.
“My personal best time is 49.46 in the 400-meter and 22.25 in the 200-meter dash,” said Armstrong.
Armstrong has a strong frame, equipped for running long distances with speed. With his confidence, one would think Anderson has been running his entire life. However, Armstrong began his track journey relatively late, starting in the 8th grade. And unlike most of his peers, Anderson has never run summer track.
“I began running while attending Marine Jones Middle School in Aldine ISD,” said Armstrong. “I had a natural talent for speed so I figured I might as well do something with it instead of wasting it. As I grew taller, I saw I had a stride and that helped me to get out quicker.”
Sean Armstrsong
IG: @bigboi_king_15
Races: 200-meter, 400-meter, long jump, 4×100-meter relay, 4×400-meter relay
Height & weight: 6-feet-0, 155 pounds
Runner he studies: Noah Lyles (Professional)
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite artist: Michael Jackson
Favorite subject: Chemistry
Shout-outs: Coach Cheryl, Coach Clark, Coach Starks
With only three years of running experience, Armstrong is learning his racing style quickly.
“Before the gun goes off, I just make sure I breathe my entire race and don’t worry about other people or jump out of my lane,” said Armstrong. “When I run the 200-meter I run full sprint the entire way. However, when I run the 400-meter it’s a little more thought that goes into it. Starting with the first 200 meters, I try to get out. When I get to the top of that 200 meters I ease up a little. Then, when I get to the 150-meters I build up. Then, the last 100-meters I’m gone.”
For inspiration, Armstrong studies athletes such as six-time world champion Noah Lyles, a professional sprinter in track and field who participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, earning a bronze medal in the 200-meter dash.
“I like the way he has a good stride and he always has a comeback speed, regardless if he’s behind or not,” said Armstrong.
Last season Armstrong didn’t run the 200-meter and only made it to area in the 400-meter, where he placed 5th.
“Coming up short taught me that I needed to work on myself more and I needed to improve getting out the blocks faster and pay attention to my breathing,” said Armstrong.
Armstrong’s goal this year is to go all the way, run a 47:00 in the 400-meter dash and have a conversation at the state track meet.
Armstrong thinks back to the advice given to him by his mother when looking to inspire other younger runners.
“As long as you put your mind to it, you can do it,” said Armstrong.
