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Smith hopes to sprint to title

Photo by David Biesack

Smith was named the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association's South Region Men's Runner of the Year.

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By BILL WARD

wward@tampatrib.com

Published: June 9, 2009

Updated: 06/09/2009 12:25 am

TAMPA - Calvin Smith says it's hard to explain how difficult it is to run 400 meters - one full lap around the track - in 45 seconds or less. He's not even certain how much time he has to breathe during that short time.

All Smith is certain of is how he feels during the final homestretch and immediately after what many call track and field's most difficult sprint race.

"The first 200 meters, you're basically running all-out but it doesn't feel that way," said Smith, a junior on the University of Florida track team. "Then, when you start to kick in the last 100, it seems like it's never going to end and you feel like you're running in slow motion."

And then there's that feeling that screams through his body immediately after running 20 mph for a quarter mile. That may not sound blazing fast, but next time you're driving your car that speed, imagine jumping out and not hurting yourself.

"Once you cross that finish line, all the pain hits you at once," Smith said. "You don't know whether to sit down, walk around or just fall down on the track."

Smith says he will be feeling more discomfort at this week's NCAA outdoor track and field championships. And if he runs like he is capable of - he is the No. 1 seed in the men's 400 - Smith could leave the meet in Fayetteville, Ark., with his first national title. He also has qualified on the Gators' 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams, which are seeded first and fourth, respectively.

Just three years after graduating from Freedom High, where he won a state crown in the 200, Smith has become an elite track athlete under Gators coach Mike Holloway. As a freshman, he won an SEC outdoor crown in the 400 and was part of a U.S. squad that won a world juniors title in the 4x400. Last summer, he took another major step forward by earning a spot on the U.S. Olympic team as a relay alternate.

Last month, Smith won his second SEC title in the 400 and, combined with his part on two relays and a second-place finish in the 200, won the Commissioner's Trophy as the SEC meet's top individual scorer for running events. His time in the 400 - a personal best of 44.96 - also moved him to No. 3 on Florida's all-time list for the event. Monday, Smith was named the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association's South Region Men's Runner of the Year.

Having a father who was a track Olympian, world champion and world record holder in the 100 has certainly been an advantage. They even share the same name. But the younger Smith has clearly blazed his own path and is on the verge of his own greatness. What he did take from his father, however, was his work ethic and attention to details.

"Ever since I didn't get to run in the Olympics last summer, I've come back and been more focused and have been working harder," Smith said. "I've started leading at practice instead of following my teammates. I've gotten used to how it feels being up front and how to motivate people, including myself."

Reporter Bill Ward can be reached at (813) 259-7456.

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