Athlete of the week: Jalani Allen, Dunbar High School

Name: Jalani Allen

School: Dunbar

Grade: Sophomore

Age: 16

Sports: Track and field

Claim to fame/honors: Helped Dunbar win state outdoor championship last year by running on second-place 4x100 and third-place 4x400 relay. Ran on first-place 4x200 and third-place 4x400 relays to help Dunbar win state indoor title this year. Earned All-American status with shuttle hurdle relay at New Balance Nationals in North Carolina last year

Bet you didn’t know: I’m ranked the highest among sophomores in the nation; currently third-best time in nation among sophomores, specifically in the 60-meter hurdles.

Words you live by: Never look back on decisions you already made

Toughest opponent: Myself because I can improve myself to be better than anyone

Meet-day rituals: Listen to motivational music

On your bedroom walls: Newspaper articles, medals, plaques

When I’m bored I like to … stretch

Favorite movie: Fast and Furious series

Person who would play you in a movie: My best friend Malik Taylor

Favorite TV show: I don’t really watch TV

Favorite musical artist: J. Cole

Favorite book: The Hunger Games

Favorite home-cooked meal: Fettuccine Alfredo

Favorite restaurant: BW3

Favorite smell: Rain

Favorite cereal: Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Store where you’d like a shopping spree: Nike Town in New York

Vegetable you won’t eat: Cabbage

I’d love to trade places for a day with … Usain Bolt

Whose mind would you like to read? My grandmother’s

Place where you’d love to travel? Rio

Talent you’d like to have? Super speed

Favorite school subject: Math

Favorite athlete: Usain Bolt

Favorite team: USA track team

Favorite Olympic sport: Track

Something in the world I’d like to change: Need more peace

Favorite sports moment: My freshman year when my shuttle hurdle relay team and I became All-Americans

Favorite junk food: Gummy worms

Best thing about track: Adrenaline rush when you get in the blocks

In 10 years, I hope to be … in the Olympics

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.

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