Archer’s Collins making his mark nationally in middle distance events
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (BVM) — Often times, track and field falls under the radar when it comes to sports coverage nationwide. However, feats like this should always be celebrated. Meet Myles Collins, a recent Archer High School graduate middle distance runner who can say he’s the fastest boys athlete in the country for the 1600-meter race.
At the Big Mouth Signs/Shuma Sports Archer Invitational back in late-February, Collins clocked 4:08.78 in the 1600-meter race. This was the fastest recorded time in the country this year, and seventh all-time in Georgia state history.
Collins is a multi-faceted runner having also left his mark in other races, specifically the 800-meter. Again, in February, at the Marietta Distance Carnival, Collins recorded a 1:56.30 time, placing him in the top 10 times nationally.
As good as he has become, Collins never knew that life would lead him down this path in track. He was just a basketball player who wasn’t discovered until his freshmen year PE class while running the mile. After some convincing from friends, Collins joined the track team and made varsity as a freshman.
It wasn’t even until his sophomore year, competing against then-teammate James Cragin, that Collins recognized his true potential. Cragin, known as one of the best runners in Gwinnett County, later went on to Georgia Tech to run track and field. But on this particular day, running the 800-meter against one another, Collins came out ahead.
“That’s when I thought, ‘Wow, I can get good at this,’” Collins said. “If I kept training hard … my potential is limitless.”
Now, due to the overwhelming success he has seen in the sport, the Archer Tiger made it a year-round affair. Following his sophomore year he dropped basketball and focused solely on running. Collins’ off-season training consists of him and his teammates pushing each other to reach the next level.
“There’s probably five of us that run the same distance together every off-season, just increasing our mileage,” Collins said. “A lot of long runs, mile repeats. Just working on our strength and base for running.”
Clearly this process has provided some achievements. After capturing the fastest time for the 1600-meter race this year, it really hit him. He was the quickest in America.
“It was crazy, and I knew that they were still running on the west coast in California so I was just hoping the record would hold up,” Collins said. “When I saw the next day that it did, I was stoked. I still am. I never thought I’d get to this point.”
While being so accomplished already, Collins still has big goals he plans to attain. Starting with his 1600-meter time, which he believes can still be approved upon. Going into the season, Collins and the coaching staff set a time goal of 4:06, so running a 4:08 is something he is proud of, but he plans to get to the sub-4:05 range.
The most impressive part of reaching the level of prestige Collins is currently on is that it has not affected the person he is. He has remained grounded through it all, crediting his teammates as the reason for his prosperity in the sport.
“My teammates are the reason I started running and the reason I continue running,” Collins said. “They push me, and I push them. We try to get the best out of each other.”
Collins also hasn’t let the true purpose of his athletic career leave his view. He says that sports are the driving force for higher education. Committed to Georgia Tech for track and field, Collins is excited to continue learning, above all else. Whether that be in the classroom or out in the world.
“This opportunity will allow me to get out of my backyard and see the world,” Collins said. “I’m excited to see new parts of the country and just travel.”
