Suitland's Jaylin Nelson was a key member of his school's state leading 4x400 meter relay team who claimed the 4A state title in the event with a MD #1 time of 3:18.61. Nelson competed at the 4A regional meet individually indoors in the 55 meter dash (6.92 PR) and 300 meter dash (37.77 PR) as well as outdoors in the 100 meter dash (11.66 PR). Nelson will be competing next for the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore next year.
Name: Jaylin Nelson
School: Suitland High School
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment?
4A 4x400 Relay State Championship. My Team was thankful and talented enough to go home state champions and end the season with the best time in the state.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My teammates, I've had the chance to practice, run with & against 3 talented individuals that make their mark in the state of Maryland. Terric Buchannan, Caleed Johnson and Keith Washington. Having these guys as teammates and being pushed by them really gets you ready for the Elite talent that is out there.
School: Suitland High School
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment?
4A 4x400 Relay State Championship. My Team was thankful and talented enough to go home state champions and end the season with the best time in the state.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My teammates, I've had the chance to practice, run with & against 3 talented individuals that make their mark in the state of Maryland. Terric Buchannan, Caleed Johnson and Keith Washington. Having these guys as teammates and being pushed by them really gets you ready for the Elite talent that is out there.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Winning States in the 4x400 and qualifying for Nationals in 3 events.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I wish that I started track earlier in life. I discovered a talent that was hidden for a long time.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Monday Practices and being put in the spotlight 24/7 with expectations to perform at a high standard.
What will you miss the most?
Working with a dedicated bunch of guys that wanted to be successful and willing to do anything to reach their goals.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Never give up on your goals and never say never. I never thought in a million years that I would be a state champion. If you can believe it you can achieve it. Hard Work is the key to success.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach's have pushed me 24/7 non-stop to get me ready for the next level. Being constantly pushed to my ultimate limits and have hands-on help decreasing my times. I appreciate the time they spent helping me grow.
What are your college plans?
I will be running track at the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore.
Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
I would like to thank my parents, teammates, family, friends and my coaches for helping and supporting me along the way. If it wasn't for you all, I don't know where I would be right now.
