- June 15, 2025
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Riverview High junior Anthony Miller figured his ability to throw a football 73 yards would translate well to throwing a javelin.
Riverview doesn’t have a track and field coach who specializes in javelin, so Miller taught himself. His studying and training paid off on May 10 at the Class 4A track and field state championships at the University of North Florida.
Miller earned a silver medal with a second-place finish thanks to a personal-best javelin throw of 58.76 meters.
When and why did you start throwing a javelin?
At first, it was just a thing I discovered. I was kind of hesitant about it because I had never done it before. We don’t even have a javelin coach here. We have a throwers coach, but not a javelin coach. I’ve always been good at throwing a football far, so I was like, ‘I can probably throw a javelin far.’ I worked on it a little bit last year, but didn’t have a lot of time to do it. This year was more of my learning year and experiencing how to throw it. I ended up second in the state, so I’m going to keep working on it.
What was your most memorable moment in track and field?
Definitely at the state championships because every throw I made was a personal record. That was by far the best meet I’ve ever had. At such a high stage, I was able to compete and perform at my very best.
What’s your all-time memory in track and field?
I would say the big personal record I just had because earlier I thought 55.8 (meters) was far. I’m able to throw it farther. I threw it 58.76, and I was like 3 meters behind the line. I have so much more in the tank, so I know what I’m capable of now, and I’m so motivated to accomplish more. I don’t really have an official run-up yet. I’ve been freestyling it all year.
What went right for you this year?
Javelin is so much technique. It’s not just throwing it as far as you can like a football. You really have to be flexible, so I had to work on flexibility. I had to watch a lot of videos and teach myself how to really throw a javelin. It’s a lot harder than someone might think. You have to know how to do it. You can’t just throw it.
What’s been your most humbling moment in track and field?
I got my ankle rolled up on in football two weeks ago before regionals, and I was worried I wasn’t going to compete. I went out with an ankle brace and I was still able to win regionals. I was so grateful to be able to go out there and compete, and some people don’t have the same opportunities I have. Some people wish to be in the spot that I am, so I was super grateful and humbled by that. I’m never going to take my abilities for granted because this is truly a pleasure.
What’s your favorite meal?
Gotta go with all-you-can-eat sushi at Ichiban. My favorite roll is the Mexiset roll with crab meat on top with some avocado.
What’s your favorite TV show or movie?
Invincible is a great TV show. The main character in Invincible is a pretty cool guy because in a world of evil he’s a hero, and I really like that.
What’s your go-to warm-up song?
I like all of the ‘Rocky’ soundtracks.
If you’re not throwing a javelin or playing football, what are you doing?
I’m outside at the beach. I’m a big outdoors guy. Whatever I’m doing, I like to be outdoors.
Who’s your favorite athlete and why?
Julian Edelman. He played quarterback in high school and college as well, and he was able to be one of the best slot receivers of all time, in my opinion. He’s just a gritty guy and I admire him for that.
Finish this sentence. Anthony Miller is…
Gritty.
