Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Caleb Bradley

Caleb Bradley is a senior on the Sarasota High track and field team. Bradley holds the school record in the 200-meter dash (21.35 seconds) and the 400-meter dash (47.90 seconds). Bradley is seeded seventh overall in Class 4A in the 200 and fifth overall in the 400 entering the state meet, held May 20 in Jacksonville. Bradley is also committed to Northwest Missouri State University for football. He played wide receiver and defensive back for Sarasota High. 

When did you start running track?

I started in eighth grade. People were telling me I should try it because I had the height (Bradley is 6-foot-1 according to MaxPreps) and the long legs. That is a big factor in track success. So I gave it a shot. I wasn't much of a competitor then, but I saw it as a way to progress and push myself. 

What is the appeal to you now?

You build a brotherhood with other runners and with the coaches. At meets, people come up to you. Some you know and some you don't. It's always a new experience. 

What is your favorite event?

The 200 meters for sure. I have long legs like I said, so I've never been a "short steps" person. My speed takes a second to kick in. And long-distance races are a lot of work to get in condition. I feel like the 200 is just right for me. 

What is your favorite track memory?

My junior year, before the state meet, we were all in a hotel room watching the other regions' races on this small laptop. We were watching the 4x400 relay, and this one kid's name was King Mack. It was a crazy finish, we couldn't tell who won, but they announced King Mack as the winner. We all jumped up. We got so loud that someone knocked on the door asking what happened, but it was fun. 

How does it feel to own school records in the 200 and 400?

It feels good, but I don't want to stop there. I need to keep going. I need to keep breaking records, if just for myself. 

What are your goals for the state meet?

I want to break 46 seconds in the 400 and 20 seconds in the 200. That's pretty much my whole focus. 

What is your favorite food?

It's probably chicken lasagna. 

What are your hobbies?

I listen to music. I draw. I dance. I go to the beach. 

Which superpower would you pick?

Invincibility. No one could touch me. 

What is your favorite school subject?

Math. I like that there's only one solution to everything. 

What is the best advice you have received?

If you want this bag (success), you'll work for it. When it comes down to it, it's about you, not other people. 

Finish this sentence: Caleb Bradley is …

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