Amir Dayal: The Heart Of A Lion With A Passion For Running

Amir Dayal: Bringing Home the Junior Olympic Cross Country Bronze Medal and Exhibiting a Passion for Running

At eight years of age, third grader, Amir Dayal, stands 4’3” feet tall, weighing 57 pounds soaking wet. He illustrates the quote, “Good things come in small packages!” When you see him contest his events, you quickly understand that the quote is not only accurate, but that it is instructional in that it teaches us to “Never judge a book by its cover” by underestimating a person’s ability.

Amir a typical third grader in many ways is also an academic and running “phenom.” Prior to Spring 2011, Amir only had been active in his elementary school’s Road Runners (Cross Country/Road Race) Club at his school, playing baseball, soccer and basketball, and swimming. But in Spring of 2011. Amir’s was introduced to Track and Field via Douglasville’s E-1 Track Club. When he first came out, his intentions were to come out solely to condition and to work on speed for his other sports. It was on March 5, 2010 that he stepped on the track for his first track meet. That day will be remembered well, as the temperature was registering below freezing. Regardless, once he stepped onto the track, it was apparent that he had found his forte. It was then and there that he and his father committed themselves to continue their curiosity in the track and field arena.

Amir isn’t always the fastest nor does he always come in first, but he definitely comes in the top percent and without a doubt holds his own and is a definite frontrunner in his races. In his first year running track he succeeded in qualifying in three events in the Hershey’s Parks and Recreation State Championship held in May, winning two medals: a 3^rd place in the 800m and 7^th place in the Softball Throw. By summer, he excelled and improved his times in all of his events and was successful at the Invitationals and the Junior Olympic Qualifiers, where he advanced to and contested the 800m and 1500m races at the United States Association of Track and Field (USATF) National Junior Olympic Championships in Wichita, Kansas. Although the heat was blistering, the USATF athlete managed to finish 10th in the 800m and 4^th in the 1500m races. Once finished in Kansas, the 8 year old USATF All American copper medalist traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana to contest the Long Jump and the 800m race in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Junior Olympics. With only two days of rest, and having to endure the scorching heat in Louisiana, he still almost medaled in his two National Qualifying events. Some would say not bad for a first year athlete, but most are saying where did that kid come from?

Amir is an athlete you usually don’t see coming because he is usually in the front of the other athletes leading. When he wins, he congratulates the opponents and quietly scampers away in preparation for the next race. Most often, his attitude and disposition exemplifies an older mature athlete. Once he has finished his races and has time to wind down and reflect, you will probably observe him running and playing with his friends.

In Amir’s first summer and fall involved with a track club, he found himself finishing in the top 3 places or winning at almost all local, state, district, and regional track and field and cross country championship meets in which he participated. He since has continued his track inauguration with an impressive collection of state, district, regional, and national medals and trophies, not only in track and field, but also in cross country, along with the road races with his school’s program. Yes, it is true. Just because summer has ended, he has not taken a long break. One can usually find him busy training with Douglasville, Georgia’s E-1 Track Club, running cross country and road races with his school’s Road Runners Club, and representing the club at AAU and USATF cross country meets. As he continues to train, he continues to get stronger and continues to exhibit improved techniques and skills. He has come in first, second, and third in all the races (some by age group and some by grade level), in which he has participated. Most recently he not only won the AAU Georgia District XC Junior Olympic Championship, qualifying for the National Junior Olympics, but shattered the record by over a minute. He traveled to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida to compete in AAU’s Cross Country Junior Olympics and not only participated, but came in 3^rd overall in the Primary Boys 7-8 year old category, taking almost a full minute off his qualifying time. He had planned on also being a participant in the USATF XC Junior Olympics, but a family trip conflicted with the event and he didn’t meet the criteria to obtain a waiver to run in another district.

Other fall season accomplishments for this year 2011:

9/16/11 2^nd Place -5K 8 & Under Brighten Academy Blazer Run Winston, GA
9/24/11 2^nd Place – 1.2 miles 3^rd-5^th graders South Douglas Fastest Feet Fun Run Douglasville, GA
10/2/11 3^rd Place – 1 mile 3^rd graders J’Day Family Fun Run Douglasville, GA
10/22/11 3^rd Place – 1 mile 12 & Under Halloween Moonlight Run Douglasville
10/29/11 1^st Place – 2K 7-8 yr olds AAU Developmental XC Invite Whitesburg, GA
11/12/11 3^rd Place – 3/4 mile 3^rd graders Cops Fun Run Douglasville, GA
11/ /11 1^st Place – 2K 7-8 yr olds AAU XC District Junior Olympics Whitesburg, GA
11/5/11 3^rd Place – 2K 7-8 yr olds AAU XC National Junior Olympics Orlando, FL

Although 2011 was Amir’s inaugural year when it comes to running track and participating in field events, it will not be his last year. He definitely has been bitten by the track bug and accordingly is busy making preparations for the 2012 season, while playing basketball, baseball, and soccer. He is excited about possibly participating in his first indoor meet and to experience the AAU Club Nationals for the first time.

When not playing sports, one can find Amir reading, building Legos, and swimming. His favorite vacations include going to the beach and going on Disney cruises. He has been three times so far and looks forward to the next trip. In addition to his impressive athletic accomplishments, Amir also excels academically. He has been an honor roll student since beginning school.

Amir is a very humble young man. Although, he is proud of his accomplishments, no one ever hears him or his family bragging or commenting on what he has done. Amir doesn’t even appear to recognize his talent. Coach Vaughn Williams, Head Coach of the E-1 Track Club is quick to say to others, when it comes to running;” God broke the mold when he made that one. Amir is not only talented but he is truly special.”

Amir is the son of Anuj ‘AJ’ and Macharla Dayal. He has two sisters, both who are avid swimmers and one who is also considering running. Since joining E-1, his father, has become a USATF Level 1 Coach and has joined E-1’s coaching staff for the 2012 season. He can often be seen running in races that allow youth athletes and adults to run. Amir’s family has helped him to understand that sports are journeys, not defined by a single season or race. Amir’s grandfather, Gurbachan Singh Dayal, is known for his hard work ethic, which has truly been passed down to his grandson. He has helped him to understand the importance of making commitments; and that the assurance in his endeavors will help him to achieve success. Someone said, “Opportunities comes to those who are most prepared when opportunity arrives.” Watch and see! Amir Dayal will seize opportunities while paving the road by creating his own opportunity.