LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Little Rock Trojans sprinter Cameron Jackson has a need for speed.
At the Little Rock Twilight meet last Saturday, Jackson placed first amongst collegians in the 100 meters in 10.10. It was a personal best and it broke an 18-year-old school record.
The sophomore, who was injured last spring has worked hard and was only slightly surprised that he ran this fast.
"It surprised me that I went lower than expected," Jackson said. "As far as the 10.10, Coach Behnke has been prepping us since the day I signed here. It was more of an 'aha' moment. It finally happened."
"Anyone who trains with him or sees him out there, they aren't surprised," Little Rock Track and Field Head Coach J.P. Behnke said. "He's the type of guy that if I said 'hey Cameron go eat a dozen donuts before the race it'll make you run faster' He'll go do it. He's got big goals and that's obvious."
Running a fast time on his home track, only made the accomplishment even sweeter.
"Our initial plan was for Texas Relays but it feels so much better practicing every day at the track that I went 10.10 on and it's my home track so it's amazing," Jackson said.
The Texas native's time is now tied at 7th in NCAA and ranks 18th in the world amongst collegiate and professional athletes.
The NCAA championships are set to be in early June and Jackson hopes to be the first Trojan to win an NCAA outdoor title.
"My goals this season are to get as close to a national championship and if not to win the national competition," the sprinter said.
This year is also a World Championship year in track and field. Jackson not only has goals of running even faster but of making the U.S National Team and representing his country on the global stage.
"It's definitely on our radar. We're putting together a plan to make sure we're prepared for whatever's thrown ahead."
He's taking one day at a time but is still focused on his bright future in the sport.