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. Today's spotlight is on Johnny Flannery
Johnny Flannery comes down the homestretch at The New Balance Track & Field Center at The Armory. Photo/Kyle Brazeil
Johnny Flannery
Senior, Bronxville High School
Bronxville, NY
Fastest Mile - 4:17.2 at the New York State Meet in 2013
ArmoryTrack.com: What's your greatest running achievement?
Johnny Flannery: Qualifying for the Millrose Games is definitely my greatest achievement because I've never really run in a high-caliber race like this.
ArmoryTrack.com: Best piece of advice someone's ever given you?
Johnny Flannery: "Just don't be a wimp in the last 200 meters" - Dayton Flannery. Whenever I start feeling tired in a race, I hear my brother in the back of my head, which makes me work a little bit harder.
ArmoryTrack.com: What are three keys to your running success?
Johnny Flannery: I've been lucky enough to have a very supportive family who try to come to as many meets as they can. I'm one of six kids, so it's really easy to feel good running when you have a pretty big cheering section. Also great coaching is a huge part of my success. When I first started running my old coach, Ed Stickles, helped me realize my talent and encouraged me to stick with running. My current track coach, Nick Roosa, has taught me to love running, and what it means to work hard. I would probably be riding the bench on my high school basketball team if it wasn't for my influential coaches. My third reason why I've been able to achieve some success is my competitive nature. I'm from a big family, and I'm the second youngest, so I would always be trying to beat my older brothers at basketball or swimming. I really hate losing, so that mindset helps me during close races.
ArmoryTrack.com: Do you have any pre-race traditions or superstitions?
Johnny Flannery: I always do the Michael Phelps arm slap, which is kind of weird, but I always find myself doing it before my races. I also like to listen to music before races because zoning out helps me focus before meets.
Quick Hits:
ArmoryTrack.com: Who is your favorite athlete?
Johnny Flannery: Michael Phelps
ArmoryTrack.com: Favorite Pre-Race Meal?
Johnny Flannery: Penne Vodka Pizza
ArmoryTrack.com: If you could go on a run with anyone, past or present, who would it be with?
Johnny Flannery: Definitely Bernard Lagat because he is so talented and is still breaking records at 39.
ArmoryTrack.com: What are your favorite hobbies?
Johnny Flannery: I love to watch college basketball, go to movies, and hang out with my friends.
ArmoryTrack.com: Favorite Song?
Johnny Flannery: Runaway by Kanye West
ArmoryTrack.com: Favorite place to run?
Johnny Flannery: In cross country season I practice twice a week at Van Cortlandt Park, and it really has become my bread and butter course. I also love to do my long runs at Rockefeller Park, because it never gets boring.
