As part of the lead up to the 107th NYRR Millrose Games, ArmoryTrack.com will be highlighting a number of student-athletes who have qualified for the New Balance High School Mile. The New Balance High School Mile has long been a staple at the NYRR Millrose Games, with past winners including sub-four minute miler Kyle Merber and 2013 IAAF World Championships qualifier Cory Mcgee. Sean Kelly is one of this week's athlete spotlights.
Sean Kelly
Senior, Chaminade High School
Mineola, NY
Fastest Mile - 4:14.7
At-large Qualifier
ArmoryTrack.com: What is your greatest running achievement?
Sean Kelly: I think my greatest running accomplishment thus far is getting third in the 1600 at states, and then anchoring the championship 4x800 90 minutes later at the NYSPHSSA championships last year.
ArmoryTrack.com: What are three keys to your running success?
Sean: The three keys to my running success are positivity, competitiveness, and making sure not to overwork during practices.
ArmoryTrack.com: Do you have any pre-race traditions/superstitions?
Sean: The only pre-race superstition I can think of is that I run with my socks inside out.
ArmoryTrack.com: Who is your favorite athlete?
Sean: My favorite athlete is Bernard Lagat. I met him during the Penn Relays at the hotel my teammates and I were staying at. He was nice enough to take a photo with all of us and sign the shirt that I was wearing. It was a great time.
ArmoryTrack.com: Favorite Pre-Race Meal?
Sean: My favorite pre-race meal is between a plain bagel with nothing on it, or a Japanese breakfast in the morning. My mother is Japanese so that's the reason I favor Japanese breakfasts.
ArmoryTrack.com: If you could go on a run with anyone, past or present, who would it be with?
Sean: I think I'd run with Justin Timberlake. He seems like a cool guy, and I've come to realize that conversations during runs are actually really interesting.
ArmoryTrack.com: What are your favorite hobbies?
Sean: Triathlons, swimming, and listening/mixing music.
ArmoryTrack.com: Favorite song?
Sean: Dani California by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Mr. Blue Sky by ELO.
ArmoryTrack.com: Favorite place to run?
Sean: Sunken Meadow because the back trails there are very fun and the view of the Long Island Sound is amazing.
ArmoryTrack.com: If you could be any animal, what would it be?
Sean: I think I'd be a lemur. They're very social creatures and I like to think of myself as sociable. I always enjoy meeting new people.
ArmoryTrack.com: Favorite Movie?
Sean: Tie between Ferris Bueller's Day Off & Airplane.
ArmoryTrack.com: Favorite TV show?
Sean: Super Natural. I watched all nine seasons in 2 1/2 weeks.
ArmoryTrack.com: What is your dream job?
Sean: I think I would enjoy working in the business world internationally as well as possibly working in the music industry.
Watch Sean Kelly give a post-race interview after he qualified for the Millrose Games at the Millrose Trials.
