Jordan Gibbs-Francis is a 2013 Fort Campbell graduate. He finished his career winning his 2nd straight 400m Class A State title as well as leading his team to a state title.
What was your most memorable race/event?
1. My most memorable race was my last 400m run as a high school student. Starting my sophomore year I had set the goal of taking down my school’s 400m record before I left. I hadn’t been able to beat the 49.27 by Marcus Glidersleeve to this point. However I ran my hardest and when I crossed the line and saw 48.57 on the clock I knew I had final done it. I was so elated because I couldn’t believe I had final done it!
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
2. I was blessed with many competitors throughout my years but the one who always seemed to push me to the next level was Hopkinsville’s Cj Smith.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
3. I made it to the AAU Junior Olympics, in the 400m!
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
4. I would have practiced harder my younger years, I didn’t really take track seriously until sophomore year.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
5. I had a pinched nerve the summer before sophomore year that put me on the couch. Then I pulled a muscle two races before state that same year. Also, my exercise induced asthma didn’t help either!
What will you miss the most?
6. I will miss my team the most. I really grew up with the FCHS track team over the past 5 years.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
7. To all the younger athletes I would like to tell you what I tell my young teammates, “Few start out on top, your goal should be to get there. I ran my first 400m in over a minute and now I run sub- 50, I’m not special, you can do the same if you try. Most Importantly, Never give up.”
What influence has your coaches had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
8. I personally couldn’t ask for a better group of mentors. The coaches took me in 5 years ago as an 8th grader who had speed but no endurance or form what so ever. They came together and pieced together the race for me; Coach Garrett taught me the endurance, Coach Johnson the kick, Coach McKillup the strategy, Coach Brown the blocks, and Coach Kennedy the confidence. They also educated me off the track, and helped to mold me into the man I am today.
What are your plans for college or joining the workforce next year?
9. I will be attending the University of Kentucky next year; I might try to walk on to the track team there if the coaches let me.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
10. I would like to thank my parents for putting up with the long nights of practice, and long days of meets. I would like to thank my coaches for always being there, whether that be for congratulations or to cheer me up after a bad race. I would like to thank my sister, Nia Gibbs- Francis, for looking out for me and always making sure my inhaler and a drink were waiting for me at the finish line, even though she had her own events to worry about I would like to thank my best friend, Nick Ringle, for cheering me through the 400m even though he should have been saving up energy for his 800m that was coming up. Finally, I would like to thank my teammates, they were always there with me, and we have had some hard times over these years. In spite of these adversities, we have become closer as a family and that is the best part about Fort Campbell’s track team!
