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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: invert none 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana;">Are you a graduating high school senior and/or never been featured on MileStat.com's front page in an athlete spotlight interview article? Well here is your chance! Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: <a href="mailto:milestat@gmail.com" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">milestat@gmail.com</a> and answer the questions below! Congratulations to the class of 2013 on all their hard work and success.</em></strong></p>
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What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Salute to Seniors series feature on Deep Run hurdler Denzel Boyd. Boyd was the Colonial District runner-up indoors in the 55 meter hurdles and outdoors in the 110 and 300 meter hurdles this past spring. Staying local for college as he will attend VCU, Boyd posted senior year bests in the hurdles of 8.18 in the 55, 15.37 in the 110, and 40.25 in the 300 meter hurdles. Boyd also ran on the sprint relays for Deep Run which qualified a 4x100 and 4x200 for the New Balance Nationals this weekend in Greensboro.
Interview with Deep Run hurdler Denzel Boyd
What was your most memorable meet?
My most memorable meet/race was about two summers ago when I broke my femur bone hurdling the 110 meter hurdles. This is obviously not a victory or a positive situation but that race changed me for the better. I couldn't let one race doesn't define my success, so I used my aggressiveness and competitiveness to redeem myself and to work even harder for the upcoming seasons.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
TRAVIS PHILLIPS. He has great athletic talent/ability in various do events and was simply unstoppable every season. However, the true answer to this question is myself. At the end of the day the goal is to perform better than you did last time. If you set high, yet attainable standards for yourself, you can't go wrong. Use all of your resources available to you, take control and make it happen
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was nationally qualifying for both the 4x100 and 4x200 relays with Latrell Davis, Luke Bodman, and Evan Truman. I may not be the strongest as a lone competitor but when we join forces, we are a force to be reckoned with!
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
Nothing really because there isn't much to change when you go to practice everyday, work hard, stay focused, and give it you best effort consistently. So I would say nothing because I know that gave it my all through everything I did.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacles I had to overcome is of course disappointment but also the hurdles themselves. Hurdling is simply no joke. Hurdling requires flexibility strength, and a lot of courage. You go into every race not knowing if today will be victory or a defeat so I commend all who hurdle because those are people who are willing to take risks, which a lot of people are not willing to do.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the atmosphere and memories shared with those who been there along my track journey. It;s going to feel so weird not seeing those who've I've practice, raced,and laughed with all accredited to bringing us together because of this sport.
What advice would you give younger athletes?
Don't waste any time, each time you step foot on the track whether it be at practice or a meet give it your all even when you don't feel like it because you just came from a long day at school, TIME WILL FLY so take it seriously. Additionally never let you emotions get the best of you. You will face both the positive and the negative affects of this sport if you put your heart into it but always remember each failure teaches us something.
What are your college plans?
I plan to attend the arts program offered by VCU this fall, where I plan to major in graphic design.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
Coach Cobb: You have contributed so much of your knowledge wisdom,and advice which has truly helped me develop and grow as a runner and a person. I will miss you greatly. Also I want to thank all of my teammates past and present, and Mrs. Anderson for the strength they've given me to overcome so much.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Keep up with the Olympics you will see me there one day!
