Akeem Bloomfield (AB) has been a name on the lips of Jamaican track fans for several years. However, injury has consistently affected his undoubtedly prodigious potential. Last year though, he overcame those challenges and achieved beyond Kingston College’s and track fans’ wildest dreams. He sat down with teenAGE (TA) to discuss his sport, rivals, hobbies and his general character.

Name: Akeem Bloomfield

Age: 18

D.O.B: November 10, 1997

School/Institution: Kingston College

Sport/Discipline: Track and Field: 400m

Accomplishments: 2015 ISSA Boys and Girls Championships 400m Class 1 Gold medallist and record-holder- 44.93s, National Junior record-holder for 400m, CARIFTA 400m Gold medallist- 45.8s, one of the first TEENage males to run sub 45s

Hobbies: Sleeping, training, hanging out with friends, making jokes and laughing with people, going out

Biggest rival(s): Jevaughn Matterson, Dantre Williams, Twayne Crooks

TA: How did you get started?AB: Well I guess you could say I was born with running abilities. From as early as basic school, either three or four years old I started track and field. It was at a sports day that my talent got recognised the coaches saw that I could run… and the rest is history.

TA: What do you enjoy most about Tracks?AB: I like the adrenaline rush and God gave me this talent so I like showcasing the talent he gave me. Also the exposure has been good, but I really love the rush of going fast.

TA: What is/was your favourite moment in the sport?AB: I guess it would have to be my win at ‘Champs’ and all the excitement of the crowd, my coaches, and my teammates. Because I did not expect to break the record. It came as a surprise and everything in that moment just showed me the proof of all the hard work I had put in all season, so that was probably my happiest moment.

TA: What is the biggest benefit you have gotten from Tracks?AB: I guess I would have to say the support that I have been getting. And also it has helped me to grow into the young man that I am today. It has taught me about time management, responsibility, and also the importance of pushing myself even when I feel like I can’t.

TA: What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a meet?AB: I was at the Digicel Grand Prix and some of my friends were betting to see who would come last… like $100 or $200 to see who would lose. And just to see their reactions was very funny for me… definitely the most fun I’ve ever had at a track meet. I also placed a few bets myself.

TA: (Shh, haha)TA: Who is your favourite athlete, and why?AB: The spot is shared between three people. I won’t say I have a favourite athlete but there are three athletes I look up to: Hansle Parchment, Javon Francis and Usain Bolt. Usain Bolt because he is the greatest of all time and to see the way he worked back to the top after being down the whole season and came out victorious just shows that he is the greatest athlete of all time. Javon Francis: I look up to him because he runs the same event I do and I like how he is just courageous when attacking the 4x400m  leg and I think he has the potential to be one of the greatest 400m runners the world has ever seen. I rate him. Hansle now, I look up to because he came to KC as well and [I] spoke with him and he is just an overall good guy, humble… and overall they are just great role models.

TA: Who inspires you and why?AB: My Mom inspires me, she is one of my greatest sources of inspiration she always motivates me she is my backbone in everything that I do basically, she supports me in good and bad  times never failed me very dependable, I would also say Bishop Gibson the founder of KC, he inspires me because he built the school on the foundation of brotherhood and developed a system where you could have the development of young poor boys in Jamaica and knowing his philosophy and what he stood for makes him a great source of inspiration for me.

TA: Where do you see yourself in five years?AB: I see myself finishing up a Master’s Degree in either forensic science or computer science. I also see myself running professionally and generally just being a successful human being.

TA: If you didn’t have Track and Field what would you be doing?

AB: I would be a nerd. I would be a big nerd, because I don’t think I’m bad academically, it’s just that now tracks cuts into study time, but I really think I’d be a nerd and getting academic awards and such. But yeah I would be a book worm and go to college to further my studies.

TA: What are your dreams/aspirations?AB: My biggest dream is to run so fast that I break the sound barrier. Not really sure how possible that is but I’m working on it. Also another dream of mine would be to be the first human being that is able to fly… And to be successful to the point where I’m able to take care of my family.

TA: Any message for your friends/fans/foes?AB: Keep an eye out for me in the upcoming season. If healthy I believe I will be doing something spectacular, so be prepared and keep me in your prayers.

teenAGE is definitely hoping that the young Fortisian will be fit and doing amazing things.