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Florida 400-Meter Champion Rios Prude Jr. Gets Chance on National Stage at Brooks PR InvitationalPublished by
Rockledge FL Senior Brings 46.83 Best To Brooks PR Invite 400
By Todd Grasley of DyeStat
Rios Prude Jr.'s range was on full display throughout the high school season.
The Rockledge High FL senior didn't shy away from sprint competition, whether it was in the 100, 200, or his specialty, the 400 meters. Prude Jr., who boasts PRs of 10.49 and 21.04 in the short events, put his name on the national list with his best 400 of the season, 46.83, to win his first ever Class 3A state championship.
That moment was one Prude Jr. will never forget, tears of joy running down his face.
"Winning my first 400-meter state title was an incredible moment for me," he exclaimed. "I had worked so hard all season and it was amazing to see all my hard work pay off. Crossing the finish line and realizing that I had won was such a rush of adrenaline and excitement." WATCH THE FREE LIVE WEBCAST OF THE BROOKS PR INVITATIONAL, JUNE 14 For Prude, the second half of his high school career was a change in attitude from strictly running for fun, to being competitive, and it showed on the track. The summer of his sophomore year he transferred to Rockledge High and began training with E.O.T.O Elite.
"It was an easy transition because he was very coachable," coach Tyrone Giscombe said. "Once we got his mechanics better, he began to flourish. It's still crazy to think that he hasn't really been tested this season in the 400 meters and still has huge upside because he hasn't been on a weight room plan at all." The biggest test of Prude's high school career will come this week when he competes Wednesday against the nation's best at the Brooks PR Invitational in Renton, Wash.
"When I found out I would be running at Brooks PR, I was filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment," he said. "It felt amazing to see that hard work was recognized and rewarded. I can't wait to compete and give it my all at the event!" Leading up to the meet, Prude has shifted his focus from the physical aspect of the sport to being mentally locked in. Despite the high level of competition, he is visualizing himself running strong and confident on race day, adding that he's excited to compete.
In addition, he notes he's going to have to stay focused, run a smart and strategic race and push himself to the limits.
"It's definitely going to be a challenge, but I'm up for it and ready to give it my all!" Coach Giscombe echoes that sentiment.
"I believe he will do amazing," he noted. "His training has been off the charts and the competition will make him thrive and rise to the occasion." A self-proclaimed lover of food, culture and travel, Prude is excited for the overall experience. "Overall, I'm just really excited to have this opportunity to compete at such a high level and to make some amazing memories along the way," Prude said. Get To Know Rios Prude Jr. What music do you listen to before races? I listen to All In by Lil Baby. If you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
They would be my cell phone, lip gloss and water. What would you consider as your best or most favorite race of all-time and why? My favorite race of all time was definitely the state championships where I won my first 400m title. It was such a special moment for me and I'll never forget the feeling of crossing the finish line and realizing that I had won. It was the culmination of so much hard work and dedication and it felt amazing to see all that hard work pay off. That race will always hold a special place in my heart! What are some non-running related things people might not know about you? Well, something most people don’t know about me is that I'm very outgoing. I love to travel and try new restaurants. I like to sit on my couch and watch Lifetime movies and I want to be on a reality TV show some day. More news |
