John Lewis was one of the heroes of the PTFCA Indoor State Championship two weeks ago, as he contributed 30 points to Cheltenham's overall team title. In addition to anchoring the 4x200m relay and 4x400m relay, the Clemson signee ran wire-to-wire to win the 800m over a tough field with a new US #1 time of 1:50.57. Despite his nation-leading mark, Lewis will not pursue the individual title at New Balance Nationals this weekend as he only has team goals on his mind. The Panthers are ranked US #1 in the 4x400m at 3:18.41 and the Sprint Medley Relay at 3:26.11. The biggest goal of the weekend? Knocking out the SMR National High School Record of 3:24.69, set by Muir (CA) in 1997.
MileSplit: The Boys 800m was one of the most exciting races of the PTFCA State Championships, as you led Elias Graca and Sam Ritz to US #3 and US #4 times, while running US #1 1:50.57 yourself. Describe the race as it happened in your head.
Before the 800 meter race at the PTFCA State Championship, I felt a little excited and nervous, but I knew from all the hard training that I was prepared to run my best. I reminded myself to get out fast.
How would you describe the race dynamic between yourself and Sam Ritz? The PTFCA 800m was hyped as a rematch of the Marine Corps Holiday Classic, where he edged you for the win in what was a then-US #1 time of 1:52.81. How did you feel after that race and how did it motivate you for the rest of the season?
After that race, I felt really good because I started the season off with a new PR. I was a little surprised when Sam beat me but he deserved it and he helped motivate me to work ten times harder for the next time we raced.
Do you and Ritz race often? Can you describe the race dynamic between you two?
We only competed against each other twice which was this indoor season. Ritz is a distance runner and I'm a sprinter. So we have two different ways to approach the race.
You just missed the state meet record of 1:50.55, set by Kyle Francis just last year. Were you aiming for the record? How did it feel to come so close?
Yes, my goal was to get the record. I felt disappointed that I didn't get the record but it's a blessing to look back to where I came from and how much I developed over the past years. This race is going to help me strive for the outdoor state record.
At NBN Indoors this weekend, you are bypassing the Championship 800m - an event in which you are ranked US #1 - to focus on the team relays. Tell us about that decision. Was it a difficult choice to make?
No, it was not a difficult decision to make. All season we have talked about our team goals and I didn't want to be the one to ruin those goals. I will run the 800 on the SMR.
What goals does your team have going into NBN?
We are shooting for the National Record in the SMR and we also want to win the 4x400m. We placed 3rd in it last year.
What are your fastest relay splits this year?
My fastest splits this season were 21.8 lead off leg in the 4x200m, 48.1 spilt in the 4x400m, and 1:51.3 split for the 800 in the SMR.
Run us through a typical week of training. (the more details, the better!)
Monday: Endurance and Strength work
Tuesday: Speed work and Weight Room
Wednesday: Endurance and Strength work
Thursday: Speed work and Weight Room
Friday: Striders and a long warm up day
Saturday: Meet Day
Sunday: Rest Day, Push ups and Core Work
What's your most memorable track race and/or moment?
The most memorable track moment I had was when I fell during the 800m run at the AAU National Junior Olympics in 2013. I was able to get back up and finish the race with a 1:57. Now I have the mindset to never take anything for granted and also to never give up.
How does it feel to represent Cheltenham and compete for such a dominant track program?
It feels awesome. We have ran together since freshman year and I'm proud of what we're accomplishing. We're keeping up the tradition set by our CHS alumni.
What are your personal goals to close our your senior year?
My personal goals to close my senior year is to keep improving my times in the 400m hurdles, 400m dash, and in the 800m run.
How would it feel to break 1:50 in the 800m?
It would be a relief because last year I ran 1:50.01 over the summer and ever since then I have been thinking about running sub 1:50.
Congratulations on signing with Clemson. How did you make your decision and what other schools did you consider?
Thank you and I made my decision because of the excellent coaching staff. They are very experienced and they are working towards the future. Most importantly they made me feel that Clemson was the right college for me.
What do you plan to major in?
I am going in Undecided.
What is your athletic background and how/when did you begin competing in track and field?
I played Football, Basketball, Baseball and started running track my 8th grade year. In 9th grade, I started running all year round (Indoor, Outdoor and Summer).
What's the hardest workout you've ever done?
The hardest workout I ever did was when I completed 4 sets of broken up 800's. The first set was two 400 meters. The second set was a 600 meter and a 200 meter. The third set was two 300 meters and two 100 meters, and the Last set was three 150 meters. one 300 meter and a 50 meter.
What is one thing that people may be surprised to learn about you?
When I was younger, I had two left feet. I would trip and fall just walking sometimes. My grandmother had my mother take me to the pediatrician because I also walked on my toes. The pediatrician eased her mind and told her I was fine and that I would be a runner.
What is your favorite activity besides track and field?
Sleeping and relaxing by watching TV shows like Martin, The Jamie Foxx Show and Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
What is your most embarrassing track and field related moment?
My most embarrassing track related moment was when I was tired after running the 4x400m. I put on my teammates sweatpants over mine. He was looking for them for about ten minutes until I realized I had them on.
FUN STUFF!
Pre-race pump-up song: I don't have any particular song because I listen to various artists when I warm up
What did you eat for breakfast this morning? A bowl of Frosted Flakes and a banana
Favorite movie: Rush Hour 1, 2, and 3
Last book you read: Grendel by John Gardner
If you could live anywhere for a year, you would go to... The Bahamas
If you could work out with any athlete from any sport (dead or alive), it would be... Manteo Mitchell because I have so much respect for him for not letting down his teammates and finishing the race after he broke his leg while running the 4x400m.
