Athlete Spotlight: James Taylor (with video interview)

Photos by John Herzog

      It is not very often in track that an athlete comes along that has the leg turnover of Maurice Greene coupled with long strides of Daniel Komen. Usain Bolt showed the world that it was possible for a six foot five man to run the 100 meter dash and run it well this summer in Beijing, and James Taylor is putting on the same display here in Virginia with his great times in the shorter distances.

      Standing tall at around six feet 4 inches, the senior from Nansemond River has made his impact on numerous events already early this season. Holding some of the nations best marks in the long jump and 300 meter dash, Taylor has started his indoor season off the right way.

      However his best performance of the year so far, and the most unlikely was his win at the Southeastern invitational in the 55 meter dash. In the finals he lined up in his lane next to one of the countries quickest 100 meter runners in Dejor Simmons of Green Run. The junior recently...