East County Athlete of the Week: Liam St. John

Liam St. John has been chasing the Lakewood Ranch High record for the javelin throw all season.

The sophomore had a plateau period for much of the spring, but he finally broke through to set the record on May 3 at the Class 4A Region-3 meet at Plant City High School with a throw of 53.36 meters — breaking the former record of 51.45 meters set by Blake Wood in 2021.

St. John’s throw earned him second place at regionals and secured him a spot at the upcoming 4A track and field state championships from May 9-10 at Visit Jax Track at Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville. 

When and why did you start throwing javelin? 

I first started when I was a freshman because it was something that I thought would make me better at football. I figured it would help me get stronger in my shoulders.

What was your most memorable moment this season?

Saturday at regionals. I knew as soon as I broke the school record that it was good enough to go to states. It’s nice to have my name on the board and that I’m the best thrower who’s been here. It’s cool that my name should be up there for a while.

How did you break through this season?

I’ve been doing a lot of training sessions with throwers this past month, like Evan Brown. He went to Saint Stephen’s. He saw me at the Braden River meet, and he found out I didn’t have a coach, so he asked if I could do training sessions with him. So that’s what I do every day, training sessions with him at Braden River.

What’s your favorite meal?

Medium-rare steak with mashed potatoes and an Arnold Palmer at Longhorn Steakhouse or at home. I cooked it on Friday. 

What’s your favorite TV show or movie?

The Waterboy. It’s pretty funny. I’ve watched it a couple of times.

What’s your go-to warm-up song?

Honestly, no. It’s just whatever is on in the locker room most of the time. I can’t really think because they play the music so loud before games. I don’t really know what they play, but it’s rap.

If you’re not playing football or throwing a javelin, what are you doing?

I’m golfing at Cypress (Links). I went right after regionals. I’m a cart boy there so I go for free. My best score was an 81, which I shot (Sunday).

What does your ideal weekend look like?

Probably this past weekend. Eating steak, setting a school record and playing golf. 

What’s been your most humbling experience in track and field?

After I threw 51 (meters) here and I was super close to the same record, I threw the same mark, 48, for seven meets in a row. I couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong, and then I started going to training and I started going up. That was humbling, throwing the same mark seven meets in a row.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Jimmy Graham. He got me to start liking football when I was a kid.

Finish this sentence. Liam St. John is…

Hopefully a nice person.