Words Of Encouragement For Olympic 200-Meter Sprinter Erriyon Knighton

With the Paris Olympic Games underway we wanted to connect with loved ones of those competing on Team USA. This one comes from Jonathan Terry, the coach and mentor of 20-year-old two-time Olympian Erriyon Knighton, who was fourth in the 200 meters three years ago in Tokyo.

By Jonathan Terry

As Erriyon Knighton prepares to compete on the grandest stage of all, the Paris Olympics, I reflect on the extraordinary journey we've shared. Our relationship began in the spring of 2019 during the high school track season, where I first encountered Erriyon's incredible talent. Watching him dominate the sprints, while talking trash to his friends and even me, a coach on the opposing team, hinted at the prodigious talent and confidence he possessed.

My earliest and fondest memories include witnessing him win his first national 200m and 400m titles at the AAU Club Nationals at Disney World. The following year, he shattered the national 200-meter record with an astonishing 20.33 seconds at just 16 years old at the Junior Olympics in Satellite Beach, Fla.

In 2021, during the Olympic Trials semifinals, he executed his race perfectly, running his first sub-20 (19.84 seconds) and breaking Usain Bolt's U18 and U20 records. These moments were pivotal, showcasing his potential to the world.

One fun memory that stands out is when Citius Mag came down to do a story on Erriyon and me. They created a mini-documentary that offered a glimpse into our beginnings, revealing a different side of Erriyon and his interests. It was a lot of fun to shoot and allowed the world to see the person behind the athlete.

Erriyon's greatness as a competitor stems from his relentless pursuit of excellence. He approaches the sport with the mindset that he could be the greatest 200-meter sprinter ever. He meticulously studies his races and those of his competitors to gain an edge. Despite having only five years of experience, his accomplishments are a testament to his immense talent and dedication.

Off the track, Erriyon is a laid-back, introverted young man who enjoys his personal space, video games, and researching fast or luxury cars. He has a passion for dirt bikes and 4-wheelers, often riding them for fun. He's a big jokester, loves talking trash, and is very family-oriented, cherishing time with close friends and family.

I am incredibly proud to play a role in Erriyon's life. Witnessing his journey from a coach to a mentor, pouring positivity into him, training with him, and being an outlet for him has been rewarding. His accomplishments in the sport make me proud, and I am excited to see where his journey takes him next.

If I could give him one piece of advice, it would be, "To whom much is given, much is required." Be yourself and run with the heart and gift that God has blessed you with. Always control the controllables.

I'll be in Paris, in the stadium, cheering him on with all my might. Erriyon has made every Olympic and World team since turning pro, consistently demonstrating his prowess. With the Olympic Trials being his first 200-meter race of the season, the world should look forward to seeing Erriyon in peak form, ready to compete.

Erriyon Knighton is not just an athlete; he's a testament to hard work, dedication, and the power of believing in one's potential. As he takes to the track in Paris, I have no doubt that he will continue to inspire and awe us all.