Local track stars offer glimpse into future of the sport

CHARLOTTE — If you don’t know their names or haven’t seen their skills, here’s your chance to get ahead of the curve.

Sanu Jallow captured six state titles during her time as a sprinter at West Mecklenburg High School. Even though, she says track wasn’t even on her radar.

“I’m originally from Gambia, Africa, a city called Faji Kunda. And I moved to the United States at the age of 9,” Jallow said. “I did soccer all of my life and when I was in Gambia, we just ran around. But I didn’t really start taking track seriously until my 9th grade year with my mom at Phillip O’Berry.”

Jallow is now a rising sophomore at Texas A&M.

Akala Garrett, a former hurdler at Albemarle High School, holds the North Carolina State record in the 300-meter hurdles.

“Every single time it wasn’t meant to be. God was like you’re going to do it your very last one and that’s what it’s going to be,” Garrett said. I was so excited. I’ve been working so hard. It’s been hard.

Garrett will be attending the University of Texas in Auburn.

Kaylyn Brown, former Mallard Creek sprinter, echoed those sentiments.

“It can get hard. I struggled with injuries my whole high school career,” Brown explained. “My freshman year I tore my hips and I pulled my hamstrings three times. It’s been a rough high school career but I was able to push through it and come back better than ever.”

At Under 20 Worlds, Brown captured national silver and bronze medals in the 400 meters and gold in relays.

She is heading to Arkansas.

Former Butler star and high jumper Cheyla Scott said despite injury, she still competed at Tennessee during her freshman season. In her second outdoor meet, she broke the all-time school record.

“All of our genetic pieces just kind of pieced in, my dad was a former NFL player ... my dad was a sprinter,” Scott said.

And they are just getting started.

In the meantime, consider this a rare glimpse into the future of the sport.

VIDEO: Local track star becomes 2-time World champion

Local track star becomes 2-time World champion

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