WHS graduate has eyes set on trip to Rio
Recent Windsor High School graduate Branden Walton will make a final push for track and field glory this week, as he toes the starting line on July 2 at the Paralympic Trials in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Walton, a four-year standout on Jaguars cross-country and track teams, has a visual impairment that allows him to compete against similarly afflicted athletes in the T-13 classification.
Competing in events ranging from the 100 to 1,500 meters, the gifted 18 year old has shattered age group records in several events competing on the national stage since the age of 14.
In Charlotte he will focus on the 1,500-meter race, hoping to meet the Paralympic qualifying standard of 4:12.
Walton, who plans to study kinesiology and compete for Santa Rosa Junior College in the fall, was forced to forgo much of his senior track season this spring due to scheduling and training conflicts. He’s been working under the watchful eye of former Olympian Stephen Agar, focusing on his weaknesses rather than strengths.
“A lot of the training has been focusing on improving endurance, but I also incorporate a lot of speed in the workouts,” Walton said. “A typical training session usually starts with a long run and finishes with six to eight 800s or 1,000s.”
Never one to back down from a challenge, Walton’s drive and determination should serve him well as he attempts to gain a spot on the United States Paralympic squad.
“I’m pretty excited,” he said. “We’ll find out what happens on Saturday.”
Should Walton make the U.S. team, he will compete in the World Paralympic Championships in Rio de Janeiro following the Olympic Games in August.
