Laurelton native, Claudia Francis, sprinted her way to victory at Greensboro, North Carolina for the 2009 USA National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships.
Francis, a bright 15-year-old, took first in the 800 meter and the 1,500 meter competitions at the big event that was held July 28 through August 2.
“I’m really glad I placed first in both of those tough events,” said Francis. “I kept my time consistent and my hard work over the years finally paid off.”
In September, Francis will be a junior at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Bayside. She also runs for the varsity team and competes in both indoor and outdoor events, along with cross-country meets.
Besides running for her school team, she also is a member of Team Evolution, which is coached by her father, Andrew Francis.
“I was very pleased by her accomplishments at the JO (Junior Olympics),” said Andrew. “Her concentration and energy levels were what pushed her into victory.”
Her dad has always been there for her and Francis believes that both her parents are the ones who “keep her on track,” she said while giggling.
Francis qualified for the Junior Olympics by taking first at her qualifier in Boston. She said the competition there was not as tough as the ones at the big race.
For Francis, the large crowd and her daunting nerves never let it affect in the slightest.
“I wasn’t nervous because I practiced enough,” she said. “I knew what the outcome was going to be.
Blowing away the competition in the intermediate girls division, she won the 800 m in 2 minutes and 6.20 seconds. She also captured a win in the 1,500 meter with a time of 4:32.64.
One of her biggest influences comes from another runner in the family – her older sister, Phyllis.
“She really helps me out because we get to practice together and she is always there for me,” said Francis about her 17-year-old sister, who competes for Catherine McAuley High School in Brooklyn.
The USATF Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships is one of the most visible youth athletic development program in the world. Many of today’s Olympic stars began their track and field careers competing in these events – and Francis is not opposed to that idea.
“My goal for the future is to just keep training and hopefully make it to the Olympics some day.”
