Brent Fairbanks finished the indoor season as the #2 ranked Weight Throw athlete in Ohio.
Brent Fairbanks of Austintown Fitch High School participates in the Shot Put, Weight Throw, Discus and Hammer Throw events and he recently competed at the prestigious New Balance Nationals Indoor meet at the Armory Track & Field Center in New York City. Brent was gracious enough to take time to speak with MileSplit Ohio about his recent indoor season and what he's looking forward to during the 2017 outdoor campaign. Please read below to learn more about Brent Fairbanks.
MileSplit Ohio: Describe your indoor season. Did your results live up to your expectations going in? What are you most proud of from what you accomplished and was there anything that you felt could have gone better?
Brent: My results from this past indoor season did not live up to my expectations. I wanted to throw much farther than I did. I am most proud of taking 3rd place at the New Balance Nationals Indoor in New York City in the Weight Throw event, but I know that I could have performed better at this meet if I had done a few things differently in my training leading up to it.
MileSplit Ohio: What events will you be focusing on during the outdoor season? What goals do you hope to accomplish over the next few months?
Brent: My focus will be on the Shot Put, Discus and especially the Hammer Throw during the outdoor season. My goals are to become a state qualifier in the Shot Put and the Discus and to win nationals in the Hammer Throw.
Brent Fairbanks finished the indoor season as the #25 ranked Shot Put athlete in Ohio.
MileSplit Ohio: Describe what your typical week of training resembles. Who are your key training partners and do you have a favorite workout that you rely on leading up to an important race?
Brent: A typical week of training, for me, consists of a lot of throwing and some weight lifting. On days before competitions, I like to take fewer throws than normal, but focus on being powerful and explosive for the throws that I do take. My key training partner is a great friend of mine, Joe Pfeffer.
Brent Fairbanks puts himself through an intense training regimen to prepare for big meets.
MileSplit Ohio: Who has helped you to reach the level that you've attained to this point in your track and field career?
Brent: I have had a lot of help to get to where I currently am in my track and field career. I have received help from camps at Ashland University and Kent State University, but the bulk of my knowledge of throwing comes from my current high school coach, Sam Cassano.
MileSplit Ohio: What are your long-term goals related to track and field?
Brent: My long-term goals relating to track and field include becoming a multiple time All-American in college, going to the 2024 Olympics for the Hammer Throw and being an 80 meter hammer thrower.
Brent Fairbanks has ambitious goals relating to his progress in the hammer throw event.
Brent Fairbanks has flourished under the guidance of his coach, Sam Cassano.