Ray Clarke Isn’t Racing You—He’s Racing Himself

For most runners, the hardest part of a race is beating the person in the next lane. But for Ray Clarke, a sophomore at O’Dea High School, the biggest challenge is different: himself.

“This season, I’m not really racing the person next to me,” Clarke says. “I’m trying to beat my old times and get better every meet.”

Now that the track season is halfway through, Clarke has been pushing himself to improve with every race. His main focus isn’t winning—it’s getting faster. Instead of worrying about who’s ahead or behind, he’s thinking about how far he’s come and how much better he can get.

“I try to just push myself and not race the other person, but be myself,” he explains.

That mindset keeps him going, even when things get tough. Staying motivated during races isn’t easy, but Clarke finds a way by focusing on his own goals.

When asked about the hardest part of track, Clarke didn’t hesitate.

“The biggest challenge I’ve faced is me,” he said. “It’s a mental game. You have to believe you can get better, or you won’t.”

Clarke's goals stretch beyond just this season.

“I want to get faster and better for other sports,” he said.

Track is just one piece of a bigger puzzle. He plays sports year-round—basketball, football, and track—and he’s committed to becoming the best athlete he can be.

This year, he’s aiming to help his team win the state championship. But more importantly, he’s focused on personal growth.

“I don’t compare myself to anyone,” Clarke says. “I just make sure I’m better than I was the day before.”

With a few meets left in the season, Clarke is locked in on his goals. He might not be chasing a trophy, but he’s chasing something even better: his own progression.