GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- Even though I`m sure it`s been mispronounced many times before, no matter how it`s been said, Sekayi (Sah-Kay-Ah) Bracey`s name has been a well-known one in the track and field world for some time now.
''After winning my first AAU title in the 100 and 200, people are coming up to me saying you have a gift and them just saying continue with this gift," said Bracey.
Sekayi was just 12-years old at the time, with goals of being the next Flo-Jo, now the East Kentwood senior has younger track athletes wanting to be like her.
''Those words that kids say to me, like, you're so great, you're so amazing, I look up to you so much, it really just keeps me motivated,."
As for her motivation during the races, she embraces the role of a 1980`s video game.
"Like Pac Man, the game," said Bracey. "You know, Pac Man goes after all his runners and so, when I'm on the curve I just try to attack everybody, like, oh I'm getting them. I have fun on the track."
Sekayi has won an incredible 8-state championships, three times each in the 100 and 200 and twice in the long jump, already establishing herself as one of the best girls high school track runners the state of Michigan has ever had.
''Just like everything is in historical terms, you're in the minute with it and so you appreciate it now, but when you get some distance between now and another five or ten year you'll look back and say oh my goodness," said East Kentwood sprints coach Randy Smith.
Sekayi still has a chance to add a few more titles to her resume at this years state finals, but the Purdue signee has even bigger goals, aiming to set the marks as the fastest girls sprinter in Michigan high school history.
''I want to actually leave a history mark with my name on the record," said Bracey. "And so, that's why I'm gonna push myself to those limits."
