Athlete of the Week: Zamir Youngblood, Dunbar High School

Name: Zamir Youngblood

School: Dunbar

Grade: Incoming junior

Age: 16

Sports: Track and field, cross-country

Claim to fame/honors: Helped Dunbar win state track championship, runs 300 hurdles, 4s800 and 4x400; won district in 300 hurdles and finished third at regionals and seventh at state; 4x800 relay took fourth at state and set school record; running summer track with Blue Spikes Track Club

Bet you didn’t know … this was my first year hurdling

Words I live by: I will win, not immediately, but definitely

Toughest opponent: My teammate Nigel Beal

Biggest influence: Coach Booker — he coached my mom, too

Meet-day rituals: I don’t eat before I run; I listen to old-school music; get my wrist taped and write Team Rae (in memory of my friend who died of cancer this year).

What’s on your bedroom walls: State medals for indoor and outdoor track; cross-country shirt for winning city championship

When I’m bored I like to … listen to music

Favorite movie: Drumline

Person who would play me in a movie: Will Smith

Favorite TV show: I don’t really watch TV

Favorite musical artist: Boys II Men

I can’t live without: Track

I can live without: Video games

Event you’d like to attend: Penn Relays or Texas Relays

Favorite home-cooked meal: Cheeseburger and fries

Favorite restaurant: Roosters

Favorite smell: New spikes

Favorite cereal: Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Store where you’d like a shopping spree: PacSun

Vegetable you won’t eat: Sweet potato

I’d love to trade places for a day with … Yohan Blake

Whose mind would you like to read? My coaches

Place where you’d love to travel? Dubai

Talent you’d like to have? Singing

Favorite school subject: Math

Favorite athlete: Yohan Blake and Trayvon Bromell

Favorite team: University of Oregon and University of Florida

Favorite Olympic sport: Track

Something in the world I’d like to change: Cost of some things

Favorite sports moment: Winning state championship

Favorite junk food: Barbeque Pringles

Best thing about track: Everybody can have an event

In 10 years, I hope to be … running 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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