Lajarvia Brown: The Final Season Frontier


Lajarvia competing at SW Classic

Sprinters and jumpers have always had the disposition of being a little revved up prior, during and after competition...

Some say it’s the adrenaline that propels them in events that maximum speed, power, and strength. Not such is the case for the very tiny Lajarvia Brown who has quietly taken the Illinois triple jumping ranks by storm over the past two seasons. Brown, a senior to be at Alton High School near the St. Louis metro area, is poised to become the most prolific leap frogger in state history by the time she is done. Lajarvia has moved to IL#2 all-time in the triple jump with fine effort of 41-9.5 at the World Youth Championship in Cali, Colombia. Brown also added the heptathlon to her resume this summer. She has a future in that event if she chooses. Lajarvia took a few moments to touch base on an excellent run.

Milesplit IL: First thing first. We would like to congratulate you on a wonderful season. Your accomplishments over the past two years in track and field have been amazing. Sticking with the triple jump here for a moment how did you know you?

Thank you. I appreciate all the coverage you guys have been doing over the summer!!

I didn't necessarily know that I wanted to be a triple jumper, only thing I knew for sure is that I wanted to jump.. But long jump wasn't exactly my favorite thing. I got the idea to try the triple jump from one of my teammates N'Kia Jones. She was our only triple jumper. I really looked up to her. We were close friends on the team and I decided to try and the coaches let me. After my first time competing is when I knew I wanted to do it. I wasn't very good on my first try but it still gave me the feeling that long jump or any other event failed to do.

At what age did you first start playing organized sports?

I first started playing organized sports in the 6th grade. I've been playing the same three sports year within their respective seasons every year since. Basketball, volleyball, and track. I still currently do all three sports.

What kind of goals do you have set for your senior year?

For my senior year, I really want to end things with a bang. I want the state title and get the record in the triple jump. Also, I want to move up in the long jump and possibly the 300 hurdles! I want to be stronger, faster, and unbeatable! So my goal is to make that happen. I want to make sure that I am one of the best female athletes to ever come through the Alton school district.

MS IL: There is word that Jaimie Robinson is transferring to a 3A school. You two staged an epic battle in the World Trials triple jump competition before settling for second and third. What does it mean to you if Robinson becomes your main target next year?

As far as competition within the state meet, I respect all my competition but I do not fear any of them. I always feel like the only person that can beat me is myself. Whether that be mentally or physically. I can't control anything but what I plan to do. So I'll keep training the way I have been and doing what I've been doing. The game plan is still the same.

MS IL: You competed in the heptathlon at the WY trials and did very well. Is this an event that you see yourself pursuing down the line?

As far as the Heptathlon goes, I would like to pursue that in my future. I feel like I've done pretty well for only doing it twice. I can only get better. If my numbers are enough for my future college coach, then yes I do plan to continue.

MS IL: You experienced a wonderful opportunity at Worlds. What did u take from that experience moving forward?

I've taken so many things from worlds. The experience was truly amazing. The experience is very humbling, and also fun at the same time. Outside of track, being over there made me really appreciate some of the things that we look over back in the states. Things were different. That experience showed me that there is hope in my dreams. Worlds for youth was the first step, and I plan to continue the stepping stones until I can finally go to an Olympic trial and hopefully make an Olympic team. Having USA across my chest was the best feeling ever and I was really proud to wear it.

MS IL: What do you want to study in college? What career goal do you have after your track career is over?

In college I want to study physical therapy. After my track career is complete, my main goal is to give back. I want to be as big of a help as I can to the community in which I came from or anywhere else. I want to help athletes be at their best

MS IL: what is your favorite thing to do with your friends?

My favorite thing to do with my friends would probably be to play basketball and just hang out.

MS IL: what junk food do you absolutely refuse to give up?!

I love food.. I feel like anything that I eat is hard to give up, but since I have to narrow it down I would have to say brownies. I absolutely love them!


MS IL: Give a shout out to the most influential person in your life.

I'm not sure I can narrow it down to one person, but the most influential people in my life would have to be all the coaches that I've ever been under. They all have been great, and they all go above the call of duty for their athletes. Without them, some of the opportunities I had wouldn't have been possible. The way they give back and try to help, is the way I want to. When I am no longer able to run track and I want to help those who still can.

What advice would you give to any young girl (s) coming up as the next great athlete like yourself?

For the next great athlete that is yet to come, I would just say do what you have to do to make your dreams become a reality. When you put your mind to something anything is truly possible. You will run into problems, and bad things will happen, but If you are dedicated then nothing will be able stand in the way of the plans that God has for you. Stay humble, grateful, and don't forget the people that helped you and supported you when nobody knew of you!

Thanks alot and good luck in the future!