A Hillsborough High School student is headed to the Olympics after shattering two track and field records.
Now, Erriyon Knighton is just weeks away from making his debut in Tokyo. At age 17, he'll be the youngest male athlete to join the team since 1964.
What You Need To Know
- Erriyon Knighton broke two of Usain Bolt's records at Olympic trials
- At age 17, he'll be the youngest male athlete to join the team since 1964i>
- Knighton only got involved in track three years ago
"Anybody can get beat. You just got to train," Knighton said.
Few knew just how hard Knighton was training until he broke two of Usain Bolt's records at the Olympic trials. He finished third in the men's 200-meter final in Oregon.
He says he learned everything about the sport from Coach Jonathan 'JT' Terry who founded My Brother's Keeper Track Club in Tampa.
"With this being his third year running track, he's done something amazing that very little to none has been able to accomplish," said Coach Terry.
The Hillsborough High senior says he's humbled by the spotlight.
"It’s a lot to process at one time!," added Knighton.
At age 17, @ErriyonK will be the youngest male athlete to join an @Olympics team since 1964.
— Fadia Mayté Patterson M.S. (@FadiaTVNews) July 1, 2021
“It feels good knowing I secured my spot on the Olympic team!," Erriyon Knighton told @BN9 . #ErriyonKnighton #Olympics2021 #TokyoOlympics #TrackFieldTrials21 pic.twitter.com/favLQeruLa
After his last race, he gained over 10,000 social media followers and the count is still going up.
Knighton was initially encouraged to run track to boost his chances at a football career.
"It did help me get offers," said Knighton.
His chance to win an Olympic medal now has all of his attention.
"His success and his grind is all anchored in his preparation," added Coach Terry.
Though Knighton will be one of the youngest American athletes competing in Tokyo, Terry says the 6'3" runner is a strong contender to bring home the gold.
“It feels good knowing I secured my spot on the Olympic team!," said Knighton.
This year, Knighton turned pro after signing a contract with Adidas. The deal waives the teen's eligibility for any High School or College sport.
He is on track to graduate High School in 2022.