East County Athlete of the Week: Declan Fiorucci

Declan Fiorucci is a junior on The Out-of-Door Academy boys track and field team. Fiorucci won the 3,200 meter run (9:45.26) April 13 at the 2023 Sarasota County Championships, held at Venice High.

How did you start running competitively?

I started running with my mom (Bridgette Fiorucci) when I was young. She would want our family to run 5Ks with her. When I got older, into middle school, I had friends who ran cross country. I tried it and stuck with it.

What is the appeal to you?

I feel like running is a useful skill to have. The faster I can get at it, the better. Plus, it's fun to win a race. That is what pushes me to keep going. It's like all your hard work pays off. 

What is your favorite event?

The two mile (3,200 meters) is my best event, but the one mile (1,600 meters) is actually my favorite. It's easier to divide the race. It's four laps. It's not too long, and it does not get boring. The two mile, there's a lot more strategy to it. 

What is your preferred strategy for the two mile race?

I try to sit and kick, which means I try to match the pace for the first two laps and make sure I'm not going too slow. Then I fall back just behind the lead group. Once we hit the last two laps, I kick it in and hopefully outsprint everyone. 

What is your favorite track and field memory?

I actually have two. When I was 13, I was a pole vaulter, and I competed at the AAU Junior Olympics in Orlando and won my age group. It was cool to win at a national meet like that. My second memory is the county championships, winning the two mile there. I was not ranked to win it, so I had to overcome the odds a bit, which was fun. 

What are your goals for the postseason?

My former teammate, Tristan McWilliam (now at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University), holds the ODA record in the two mile race (9:32.82). I'd like to try to break that at the state meet. 

What is your favorite food?

Before races I like to have rice with soy sauce and also bagels and cream cheese. 

What is your favorite movie?

I like the "Star Wars" franchise a lot, and since track season started I have been watching the "Rocky" movies. Those are great as well. 

What is your favorite school subject?

I like math and history. Math just makes sense to me, all the formulas. History is interesting, hearing what people were thinking in the past. 

Which superpower would you pick?

Super speed would be helpful. (Laughs.) 

What are your hobbies?

I play basketball, and I like to kickbox. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Don't make excuses. On the results sheet, it's not going to say that you just did a hard workout or that your legs are tired. All people will see is your time. That's what matters. Also, Tristan McWilliam has generally given me a lot of advice and taught me a lot about running. 

Finish this sentence: "Declan Fiorucci is …"

Dedicated.