Athlete of the Week: Derrick Corley, Dunbar High School

Grade: Entering junior year

Age: 16

Sports: Track and field, soccer, cross country

Claim to fame/honors: 4x800 state qualifier; member of state title team; cross-country city championship team; runs summer track with Blue Spikes

Bet you didn’t know … I didn’t run track until high school

Words you live by: There’s a difference between talent and hard work

Toughest opponent: Myself, knowing I can do better

Biggest influence: My coaches and parents

Meet-day rituals: I put my left shoe on first; play the same song through my head

What’s on your bedroom walls? Running medals

When I’m bored I like to … play video games or practice with some of my teammates

Favorite movie: Pursuit of Happyness

Person who would play you in a movie: Denzel Washington

Favorite TV show: I don’t watch much TV

Favorite musical artist: Tupac and Lil Herb

I can’t live without: Music and family

I can live without: Doubt and negativity

Event you’d like to attend: Any major event that has to do with soccer or track like the Olympics or World Cup

Favorite home-cooked meal: Taco salad

Favorite restaurant: TGI Fridays

Favorite smell: Any food

Favorite cereal: Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Store where you’d like a shopping spree: Nike Outlet

Vegetable you won’t eat: Brussels sprouts

I’d love to trade places for a day with … Cristiano Ronaldo

Whose mind would you like to read? Malcolm X

Place where you’d love to travel? Paris

Talent you’d like to have? Teleport

Favorite school subject: Math and social studies

Favorite athlete: Muhammad Ali

Favorite team: Our USA track team

Favorite Olympic sport: Soccer and track

Something in the world I’d like to change: People’s mindsets

Favorite sports moment: Winning indoor and outdoor championships

Favorite junk food: Pop-Tarts

Best thing about track: There’s always something to improve on

In 10 years, I hope to be … very successful in anything I do

Nominate an Athlete of the Week: Send an email to freelance writer Dave Lamb at d_lamb@msn.com. Please include the athlete’s name, school, sport and a phone number or email address where we can reach that athlete. Please include Athlete of the Week in the subject line.