Charles Yu '18 Recruiting Profile

When I think about my earliest memories of running I feel that I did it because it was fun.  I have always enjoyed sports and I naturally gravitated towards running when I exited elementary school. I knew that the transition to High School would be difficult if I didn’t get involved in the school. This decision let me to try out for the school cross-country team.  This was when running changed from being a hobby to an important part of my life.  After try-outs, the coach approached me.  Not only did I make the team, he also recommended that I join the senior team! It was a challenge and an adversity both physically and mentally because at just 13 and I would be training and competing with the 17 year olds.  Looking back now, I’m glad that I took the challenge never realized how running would have such a great impact on my life ahead and help me make good choices in life.

During next three years of my involvement with the team, my running skill has improved greatly. I have constantly placed top 3 of all my races. I contribute much of the success to my motivation to improve. I have learned that an athlete must be disciplined in training and dieting, strive towards academic excellence, and be involved in the school community. This perspective has helped me make a positive transition into high school.

Being on the school team has allowed me to be both a captain and a team player. As I continue in Grade 11 my goal is to improve my personal best time in the 3k corsscountry and 1500m. Not only do I want to continue to excel in running but I also look forward to using my skill and insight to positively motivate the new upcoming runners that will be joining my school team.

After finishing high school I would like to compete in a higher level of competition, and as an American I would like to go back to America to attend and compete for my university in both cross-country and track and field.

I ‘ve learned to realize that all of my running success and experiences would not have been possible for all of the people involved in making these competitions happen. I am grateful to my parents and friends who encouraged and supported me. It is also important to give special thanks to the coaches, organizers, sponsors and volunteers who’ve committed their time and energy to the sport.

Accomplishment:

• 2013 BCXC Senior Men – 154^th
• 2014 BCXC Junior Men – 46^th
• 2015 BCXC Junior Men – 21^st
• 2014,2015,2016 BC Athletics Junior Development XC Series 2^nd
• 2014 BCTFA Grade 8 – 400m, 800m, 1500m
• 2015 BCTFA Junior Men – 800m
• 2016 BCTFA Junior Men - 1500m, 3000m
• 2015 Canadian National Youth Track and Field Championships – 300m, 1200m
• 2014/2016 Athlete of the Year of Brunaby Central Secondary