Grant Brussard has been winning medals and breaking records, and now he’s competing for a national award that could earn him $25,000.
WILSONVILLE, Ore. — Nine-year-old Grant Brussard likes to run. Fast.
“I just feel the wind blowing on my ears,” said the fourth-grader from Wilsonville, who just wrapped his second track season, adding more hardware to his impressive track record.
In July, Grant won the 100-meter dash in USA Track & Field Junior Olympic Regional Championships in Spokane. His time of 13.55 seconds set an all-time meet record for 9-year-olds.
“I pray to God to make me go way faster, I use good form I just use my technique,” explained Grant of his race strategy.
“I am so proud, you can’t imagine,” said Grant’s father and coach, Kirk Brussard.
Kirk said Grant’s work ethic and attitude are big reasons his son has improved so quickly.
“Grant is beyond his years when it comes to his technique,” said Kirk. “He absorbs it pretty well; he’s leaps and bounds from where I thought he would be.”
In addition to his stellar track season, Grant is in the running for Sports Illustrated’s Youth Athlete of the Year. Voting to make the next round ends the evening of Sept. 7 and Grant is currently in third place in his group. He hopes to advance to the next rounds and eventually win the top prize of $25,000 — Grant has an idea of what he’d do with the winnings.
“Maybe put it in the stock market,” said Grant, prompting a big smile on his dad’s face. Kirk said Grant is used to investing in his future.
“Each practice is a deposit to get to where we want to get ultimately in life and in track,” said Kirk. “So I feel like the kid deserves it.”
Win or lose, Grant will end this contest like he does all of those on the track — with sportsmanship.
“I say, ‘Good race and good job,’ to them,” said Grant. “Good effort.”