SYLVANIA, OH (Toledo News Now) - State finals in spring sports are coming up, including track and field. A lot of athletes from northwest Ohio have a good chance to bring home titles.
We've followed Malcolm Johnson of Southview High School since his freshman year. Four years later, maybe he's saved the best for last.
Heading into his senior year, Johnson made the decision to focus on running track. That meant quitting football, a sport where he clearly excelled.
"It was a very difficult decision, but I just sat down with my parents and discussed my future, and I just thought my future was set in track in college. I made the decision right there that I wanted to run track in college and football would just have hindered that, and I didn't want to run the risk of getting injured," said Johnson.
Johnson has been so close to the ultimate goal. He's won league, district, and regional titles in the 100 and 200. But, he has yet to win that elusive state title. He's hoping his 4 years of hard work will pay off this weekend in Columbus.
"I really want this state title; just to win it would mean the world to me. I've been working so hard throughout my four years, this is just my last chance to attain one, so I'm just hoping I can get out hard and do my best," said Johnson.
There is no doubt this is his best shot at winning the state title. He's put in the work, now, he hopes it pays off.
"I'm more mature this year. I have more experience running in bigger races. I've done a lot more strength training this year, so I've been a lot stronger at the end of my races, so I've been able to maintain my top speed a lot better, and my technique has gotten a lot better," said Johnson.
"He's bigger, faster, and stronger than he's been any of the previous three years, and I think he's got his mind in the right spot and I think his body is going to peak at the right time and he certainly has a great opportunity in the one and the two," said Southview Track Coach Lee Boyer.
He will attend Harvard in the fall, but right now, Johnson has just one thing on his mind: Columbus, Ohio.
