Salute To Seniors: Ahmir Johnson (Wissahickon)


Today we salute Ahmir Johnson of Wissahickon.

The recent graduate finished up a great career in a variety of events. Johnson closed out his prep career with bests of 48-05.75 in the triple jump and 23-04.75 in the long jump. Both came during this past indoor season and Johnson ranked as one of the top jumpers in each event. Unfortunately, an untimely hamstring injury ended his winter season prematurely.

Johnson did clear a best of 6-04 in the high jump at outdoor states to claim sixth place in AAA, a very high note to close out. He also had PRs of 8.00 in the 55-meter hurdles, 8.52 in the 60-meter hurdles, and 15.13 in the 110-meter hurdles. Johnson answered some questions for PennTrackXC, reflecting on his high school career.

Throughout the end of June and through July we we be honoring our graduating seniors. To submit your own questionnaire to be posted on the front page of PennTrackXC, check out this page and email your responses to Dan Beck (daniel.beck@flosports.tv).


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What was your most memorable race/competition?

The race I'll never forget is my very first 400m my freshman year. I didn't know any better so I tried to sprint the entire race and completely fell apart the last 100m. I don't think I've ever felt a pain worse than that.



Where did you face your biggest competition?

I faced my biggest competition at outdoor states last year in the triple jump. Everyone was longing for a win, and that's what made the competition so great


Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?

Most definitely breaking 48 feet in the triple jump, and 23 in the long jump. These marks were the same as my school records, and my goal ever since freshman year was to break those


If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?

Something I would change is my workout plan in the weight room. I didn't really start lifting seriously until the beginning of my senior year, and I feel as though that might have made me a better athlete overall.



What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

Without a doubt, the most difficult obstacle I've had to overcome is the hamstring injury I've sustained since indoor season. This was a huge setback and downer for me because I felt as though I had a good chance at taking home the state title in one of the horizontals. Initially, I felt really discouraged and sad about the fact that I wouldn't be able to finish off my senior year at 100%. Despite that, I continued to push through and gradually began to increase my jumps each meet, and that's really what I wanted to see. Improvement and preparation for this coming indoor season. This taught me that not everything is going to go as planned, and when you fall, you have to fall forward.



What will you miss the most?





    Something I'll miss the most is training with my friends and the bus ride up to meets.


    Do you have any advice for younger athletes? 





      Some advice I'd give to younger athletes is to never give up, not everyone is going to be a natural at track and field, you're going to have to work hard and persevere if you want to accomplish great things.


      How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?

        My coaches have greatly influenced my performances. Coach Garis and Betterly always believed that I could achieve greatness. They recognized my talent and molded me to be great high school athlete.


        What are your post-high school plans?

          I'm going to be attending Gwynedd Mercy University for CIS (Computer Information Science)


          Any shoutouts?

            Shoutout to all my coaches, family, friends, and teammates, without their support I wouldn't be who I am today.