GILROY – Nathaniel Guillory stumbled out of the starting blocks at Gilroy High in the 100-meter race. Not a great way to start the premier event at the Central Coast Section track and field championships, but also nothing he couldn’t handle. Even when the Los Altos senior saw Live Oak’s Christian Hauge pull out ahead, Guillory stayed level-headed as he sprinted toward the finish line.
“When Christian got out ahead of me, I didn’t tense up,” Guillory said. “I knew that the work was put in, and that I had the top speed to win.” His self-belief was justified a few moments later after he crossed the finish line in front of the pack with a time of 10.
78. A couple events later, he beat out a couple of West Catholic Athletic League opponents in Serra’s Jaden Green and Mitty’s Prince Najeeb Babalola-Buchango for the 200-meter gold medal too. Guillory won with a time of 21.
37 compared to Babalola-Buchango second-place time of 21.69. “It’s all about every little decision,” Guillory said.
“Not going to parties at night, cooling down and stretching and the core work, the four in the morning workouts. It’s all about how much you want it.” Guillory stressed that his preparation, and belief in his training, was his key to his success this season.
“I looked around and said ‘I’ve worked harder than this entire field,’” Guillory said. “Being able to say that gives you confidence in the race.” Guillory and the rest of the winners, alongside any qual.
