She started out in Maryland, went to New Jersey, but then finished in Maryland. Chanel Solomon came full circle to wrap up a strong high school career at Clarksburg High School graduating this past week. Solomon earned All-State honors indoors this past year in the 300 meter dash with a 41.75 clocking for 4th place in the 4A state meet and clocked a new 400 personal best of 57.71 to finish runner-up and more importantly establish a new school record. She was a key member and scorer for several strong relays and squads at Clarksburg during her time in high school. Hear from Solomon below as she reminisces about her high school track & field experience as part of our Salute To Seniors series.
School: Clarksburg High School, Clarksburg MD
What was your most memorable race/moment?
My most memorable race was running 57 at the Outdoor Regional Meet; breaking my school record for the second time.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My biggest competition was Cori Brown this year, she always kept me on my toes. She is an amazing competitor. Good luck to her for the next 3 years!
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was becoming a 2x All-American in high school; 2013 USATF 4x400 (Track Express Track Club) & 2015 New Balance 4x200 (Neptune HS, Neptune NJ); 1st Team All-State, NJ (Meet of Champion 4x100 Champion)
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would definitely have pushed myself much harder my freshman and sophomore year
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
My hardest obstacle had to be running while injured and working through the pain.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss all the relationships I've gained throughout my 4 high school years. I will also miss cheering on my best friends and teammates and the bus rides too and from the meets. My teammates are truly amazing people!
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Always stay the course; the pain is temporary but the success is forever!
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach taught me to never sell myself short; always attack what I'm doing passionately. He also further developed my listening skills when we would have our pre-race discussions!
What are your college plans?
I will be attending Winthrop University, Rock Hill South Carolina on a Athletic & Academic Scholarship. I will major in Business and minor in Exercise Science.
Who would you like to say 'thank you' to? I would like to Thank God first and foremost for continuing to cover me throughout my high school career. His blessings continue to overflow in every area of my life.
I also want to thank my MOTHER who's unconditional love allowed me to become the runner I have. My mother is truly my #1 FAN! I also want to thank my close friends (Alexus, Taliah, Bri & Cierra) for always being the loudest ones in the stadium while I run.
Lastly, my many coaches over the years, Coach Dave & Lexi Knight (Maryland Titans), Coach Aerek Stephens (Maryland Titans), Coach Champ Page (Track Express), Coach Robert Youngblood (Northwest), Coach Dawn Bowles-Fitch (Neptune), Coach Mathias (Clarksburg) & My Trainer Coach Rafiu Bakare (Elizabeth Seton). You ALL pushed me to want more for myself and to focus on my goals!
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I'd like to just thank everyone who ever had an influence in my life, your support has not gone unnoticed! Special Thanks to the Clarksburg Track Team & Staff for making space for me! God made room for my gift and WE managed to change the school record books in several events during the indoor (300m, 4x200, 4x400) and outdoor season (400m, 4x200, 4x400, 4x800). Thank you for making me better!
What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?
The funniest thing that has happened in my career was consoling my teammate, Alexus Pyles after a mishap during Indoor Regionals 2016, we were talking then she somehow fainted and she fell on my food packed for the meet and I told her she needed to get up because she was crushing my food!
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