South Portland junior Arnaud Sioho wins the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.60 seconds at the SMAA track and field championships in Kennebunk. Sioho won four events at both the SMAA meet and the Class A meet, then captured a New England title in the triple jump.
Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer SOUTH PORTLAND — When Arnaud Sioho competes, he enjoys the moment. A senior-to-be at South Portland High, Sioho will encourage his friends, fellow competitors and fans to start a rhythmic clap before he attempts a long jump or triple jump. A smile bursts across his face when he completes a fast hurdles race.
“He’s just a joyful person and he loves that heightened competition,” said South Portland Coach Dave Kahill. “Especially with the team competition on the line.” Sioho, 17, wholeheartedly admits he’s become a track and field geek.
He watches videos of elite athletes for inspiration and of his own performances to critique what could be better. He remembers his own distances and times with precision. In a sit-down interview two weeks after competing at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals in Philadelphia, Sioho ticked off PRs and accomplishments of his peers while talking animatedly about his own races and jumps – both good and not so good.
“I love to compete. Right now, though, I’m missing it. Sometimes I wake up and, I don’t know why, I just put on my track spikes,” he said.
Sioho’s ability to thrive and shine at the biggest meets was evident when he won fou.
