He plans to go pro!
A North Carolina teen is making history as the fastest 16-year-old in the U.S., Black News reports.
Antwan Hughes Jr. is a student at Parkland High School and a track star in his hometown of Winston Salem, North Carolina. After a previous season rife with injury, Antwan worked hard with his father/coach, Antwan Hughes Sr., to make sure he was able to hit the track this year. Focusing primarily on recovery, Antwan was able to maintain his rigorous workouts and a high protein diet to get back in shape. Now, all that hard work has paid off!
The teen recently competed at the 2022 AAU Junior Olympics, running the 100-meter dash in just 10.48 seconds, earning the title of the country’s fastest 16-year-old. Antwan was able to beat second place runner Jerrae Hawkins by just .02 seconds and despite the close competition, Antwan said he knew he would win.
“I went into the race knowing I was going to win because I set that goal that I was going to win. When I got to the line, I just kept the same momentum I had, telling myself I was going to win. When I got out the dude was beside me, but then the last 20 I pulled away and won the race,” Antwan recalled.
His father said he’s proud of all his son has accomplished but they have a lot more in store.
“What he did last week was [definitely] amazing, he won the 15-16 100m dash…and that is an amazing accomplishment. Now we are looking for 10 3 so that’s the next goal, try to go 10 3, and try to get the 200 time around 21 3. Those [are the] next goals and try to be a state champion, a high school state champion in 100 and 200,” the elder Hughes told 11 Alive.
But now that Antwan has this historic accomplishment under his belt, he said he just plans to keep working hard so he can eventually go pro. And if his manifestation skills and work ethic are anything like what it’s already been, we are positive we’ll see him on larger stages in the future.
“My plan is to go to college, go to D1 in college and go pro. That’s my plan and always been my goal, that’s what I am planning to do,” he told reporters.
Congratulations Antwan! Keep going!
Photos Courtesy of Black News