MileSplit.us recently caught up with the number one long jumper and triple jumper in the nation. Carlton Lavong has long jumped 24-11 and bounded out to 49-8 in the triple jump. He went 49-8 at the Hispanic Games on 1/9/10 and more recently went 24-11 at the PTFCA Track Carnival on 2/13/10. Carlton has bigger goals, however, and he shares them below.
MileSplit.us: First off, what's been going on for the past 6 months? What have you done to prepare for your senior year?
Carlton Lavong: I have been doing basic things, working with my trainers Barry Swanson, Arnie Shiffron and Ron Livers. Also my training partners Kolin Jeffers, Kevin Dargan and Rich D'Ambrosio. I think have been more consistent with my workouts and I love mentioning my teammates that I train with; and my coaches and trainers because without them I wouldn't be able to do half the things I do now. I wouldn't have as much knowledge as I do. But the Lord is where I give all of my accomplisments to.
MileSplit.us: You hit 24-11 recently, which is an amazing mark, but you also went over 24 for the rest of your jumps. Consistency is something you struggled with before, how did you overcome that this year?
Carlton Lavong: I have been way more consistent with my workouts; trying my hardest not to miss a step. I either do the same workout or I do more.
MileSplit.us: Are you going to go after 50' indoors or just focusing on winning a state championship and a national title?
Carlton Lavong: I am going to do both; my goal is beyond 50 ft and I am shooting to win two state and two national titles.
MileSplit.us: Continuing about states, you have never won a state title, how do you deal with that pressure going in as the #1 jumper in the nation?
Carlton Lavong: I just push it aside and remember that being #1 in the nation means that every one is after me. So I just think of it as being another jumper trying to compete and win.
MileSplit.us: What is your plan for nationals? LJ and TJ, or just focusing on one event?
Carlton Lavong: I am competing in both events and I am focusing on both. I would like to get 25'6 and 51 at nationals, even though long jump is my favorite. It is my senior year and I want to go out with a bang and show the world what jumpers can do, and bring more attention to the events.
MileSplit.us: You have had your brother, Wesley, around for your entire HS career. Has it been harder without your brother right there with you?
Carlton Lavong: Yes it has had a great effect on me. I have people behind me but it's not the same when you have a brother behind you pushing you. It just gave me an extra boost when he was there helping me go as far, and do the best I could do.
MileSplit.us: Sum up how you feel about your success this year so far? And how you'll feel if you hit 25'/50'?
Carlton Lavong: I am very pleased with how I've done this indoor season. I feel like I've done everything I wanted to do and hit all my goals except 25 and 50, but that will come. The only thing left is four more important titles (states and nats). I am also very proud that I have led the way for jumpers across the nation. For jumpers younger than me to see that jumping is an exciting event. I know my teammates Rich and Kevin look up to me and are going to try to do the same as I did in their senior year. I know when I hit 25 and 50 it will be a great day for me because it is the greatest feeling to go out and want to hit a mark and you actually hit it. So it is real special to me to do that.
