Track Star from The Villages Snatches Gold by a Nail-Biting Tenth of a Second

Fifteen-year-old Arjay Lockard of Maricopa has made headlines after clinching gold in the 60-meter dash at the USATF Indoor Classic Championships in Flagstaff last Saturday. With a time of 7.03 seconds, he narrowly edged out the second-place finisher, who clocked in at 7.04 seconds.

On the day of the race, nerves washed over him as his fingers grazed the rubber track at the Northern Arizona University Walkup Skydome. In a moment of introspection, he turned to God, seeking the courage to transform his anxiety into speed.

Lockard’s impressive velocity translates to approximately 19 miles per hour, a feat recognized early on by coaches at Maricopa High School as well as those from the West Coast Striders. Committed to his craft, he dedicates two hours each day to training five days a week.

“He’s a natural athlete,” expressed his mother, Tara Crudup, 38. “I’m extremely proud. I’ve seen him overcome so many obstacles—coming in second and trying again, never giving up.”

“I just really want to be great,” Lockard said when reflecting on his victory. “I was just really happy, the hard work that I put into it.”

Looking ahead, he is set to compete in high school track meets starting March 1 with the CAA, aiming for more titles. Additionally, Lockard harbors aspirations of playing football at the University of Arizona.