East County Athlete of the Week: Josh Thomas

Josh Thomas is a senior runner on the Braden River High boys track and field team. As of March 22, Thomas holds the second-fastest 100-meter dash time (10.67 seconds) and the fourth-fastest 200-meter dash time (21.75 seconds) in Class 3A. Both times were set at the IMG Academy Spring Break Invitational, held March 20 at IMG. 

When did you start running competitively?

I started running during my junior year. I was honestly doing it to get faster for football. But I found out that I was good at it, so I kept doing it. 

What is the appeal to you?

I like pushing myself and beating my best times as often as I can. I can see myself getting better. Winning is fun too, but it's mostly beating myself that I like. 

What is your favorite event?

The 100-meter dash for sure. It's the one I'm best at running and it's the fastest one. It's the main event. 

What is your favorite memory?

This past weekend (March 20), I ran at the IMG Academy Spring Break Invitational. One of the runners there (Jaylen Slade) might be the fastest kid in the country. I ran against him in the 100 and I did well. I finished third overall and set a new personal record (10.67 seconds). I was so happy with how I ran. [Slade finished in 10.23 seconds.]

What are your goals for this season?

I want my 100 time to get even lower. I want to hit 10.40 or 10.30. I also want my 200 time to drop into the 20 second range. 

What is your favorite food?

I love pizza. I get pepperoni and a little bit of onions, then add some Hamburger Helper to that. 

What is your favorite movie?

It's close between the 'Batman' and 'Spiderman' movies, the whole series. I'd say 'Spiderman' if I had to pick just one. 

What is your favorite subject?

I'm good at math, so I'll say that's my favorite. 

What are your hobbies?

Honestly, I spend a lot of time running or working out, so when I'm not doing that, I'm usually chilling at home watching TV. 

Which superpower would you pick?

I want to be able to fly. I'd go around seeing what everybody's doing. 

What is the best advice you have received?

You can always do better. You can't accept where you are now. You can always improve. 

Finish this sentence: "Josh Thomas is … "

… Funny. Ask anyone on the team, I can make anyone laugh.