Discover the inspiring story of Brandon Miller, a young track and field athlete from Burroughs High School who became a middle-distance marvel.
Brandon Miller, pride and joy of John Burroughs High made the United States Olympic team after a record-setting period in high school and a three-time Southeastern Conference career at Texas A&M University.
Brandon Miller was a running child prodigy, who has been so prolific at success, he has turned out to be a prophet of sorts. At least that’s the case when it comes to his track and field prowess.
As a national television audience saw on the NBC networks recently, Miller a product of John Burroughs High, who went on to star at Texas A&M University on the collegiate level, Miller has punched his ticket to the Paris Olympics in the men’s 800 meters, after finishing third in that race at the United States Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. Now 22 years and running professionally for the Brooks Beast Track Club in Seattle, Miller told KSDK- Channel 5 back as a 12-year old running AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) that he would make the Olympics some day.
“Every day I wake up, you know, I dream about being in the race, standing on the podium, getting the gold medal around my neck,” he beamed, as the station replayed the old tape recently, after he had indeed ascended to the Olympics.
But to be fair about the prodigy’s prediction, he was dominant back then for his age-group, he was clearly ‘on course’ for greatness, whether he professed it or not. After all, he had clocked the fastest times in the nation for his age in the 800, 1,500 and 3,000 meters and the fastest in history for his age in the 800 meters back then. At age 13, he ran an age-group world record of 1 minute, 56.41 seconds, then again at age 14 with a time of 1:51.23.
Eventually setting the stage for greatness a decade later, all grown up, to record a time of 1 minute, 43.97 seconds ( modern digital track times are recorded down to hundreds of seconds) . That was good for third place and a spot on the team behind winner Bryce Hoppel (1:42.77) and runner-up Hobbs Kessler (1:43.63).
“I think, you know we see one minute and 43 seconds on the clock, but what people don’t see is the years that went into it,” explained Miller in recent published reports.
Indeed, Miller’s long history of success precedes him, even though at a mere 5-feet 7 inches tall and 140 pounds he doesn’t fit the profile of middle distance runners, who tend to be around 6-feet or taller with longer legs. Hoppel is 6-feet. Charles ‘CJ’ Jones of Cardinal Ritter, who set numerous Missouri Class 3 marks in 2012 and 2013, and was the gold standard for contemporary Missouri prep runners until Miller came along, was 6-2 with broad shoulders and long legs. Yet Miller, with whom he would develop a bond with the older Jones over the years, ended up breaking the 800 mark for all classes in 2017, when he recorded a time of 1:49.55 eclipsing a record which had stood since 1987: Bill Rainey of Parkview at 1:49.89.
“Brandon’s stride strength is remarkable,” John Burroughs coach Daniel M. Harris commented to the Argus this week. “He has a unique ability to efficiently cover great distances with each step, while swiftly recovering his legs under his hips. This allows him to maintain powerful running form with minimal energy loss….When I first saw Brandon and learned about his success (very young) in middle distance running, or what I call super long-sprinting, I was surprised too (due to his size). Knowing and having watched CJ as one of his running models, made it even more unexpected. That’s why when describing Brandon the first that comes to mind is his remarkable stride strength. This combination of powerful strides, quick leg recovery and well-trained endurance have allowed him to excel at 800 meters and every race…”
Chico Jones, father to the aforementioned CJ, told the Argus last year that Miller has certain physical attributes and intangibles which have neutralize any perceived disadvantages he may seem to have against bigger, taller runners.
“Brandon has a big heart, great endurance, outstanding foot speed for his size,” said the elder Jones. “Having a great middle distance background like that, enables him to perform when the tank for other runners is empty.”
Suffice to say, the Burroughs coach said Miller’s mark is indelible
“Brandon’s legacy at John Burroughs can easily be coined as athletic excellence, academic achievement and inspirational leadership,” noted Harris. “In track, he set six school records between the 200 to 1,600 meters, showcasing his God-given talent, work ethic and determination…..Beyond his record-breaking performances, Brandon has been a mentor and role model within our community. His positive impact extends far beyond the track, making him a beloved figure among students, faculty and staff.”
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