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Since he was a child, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) alumnus Justin Miller has aspired to be a professional athlete, and eventually an Olympian. 

Today, the CHS 2020 graduate, believes he’s closer to realizing his goal. The 19-year-old East St. Louis native, who ran track at CHS, is diligently working out, competing and looking ahead to 2024.  

“Now, my professional goals are to make it to the 2024 Olympics in the javelin category/track and field,” said Miller, a sophomore at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, where he is on a renewable track and field scholarship. 

“I always wanted to be a professional athlete,” explained Miller, who is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 190 pounds. “At first, I wanted to be a pro basketball player. I was a freshman at Charter High School, when I suffered a leg fracture while playing basketball during East St. Louis Senior High’s open gym. I was playing there because at the time, the Charter High School didn’t have a basketball program.” 

The leg fracture resulted in Miller’s having to quit playing basketball. “I didn’t need surgery, but I went to physical therapy for six months. It was hard, because a week after the injury my grandmother died. I had to pull through, because I didn’t want to end up not being able to move like I wanted.” 

With basketball sidelined, Miller said he listened to Shawn Roundtree, CHS athletic instructor and social worker. “I gave track a chance, and found out I liked it just as well.” Miller ran the 100 meters, 200 meters, 800 meters, 4x100 meters and the 4x200 meters. 

“Justin is a wonderful, disciplined student athlete,” said Roundtree. “He is talented and hardworking. I knew he could excel in sports and academics when he was at the Charter High School. I’m extremely proud of him. He has grown into a strong and talented young man.” 

After CHS, Miller progressed to javelin throwing, a track and field event. He attended Greenville College, where he was named Freshman Athlete of the Year. Miller later transferred to Indiana State. 

“The Olympic standard for javelin throwing is 85 meters or about 200-300 feet,” explained Miller. “I throw over 50 meters. My coaches at Indiana State told me I have tremendous potential, all I have to do is work at it.” 

Miller’s regime consists of lifting weights and running. When he’s at home, he works out with a personal trainer at Elite Speed in Collinsville. 

“You need to have enough speed to run down the runway, and throw a javelin,” offered Miller. “Weight lifting is a big part, too, because you have to be strong enough to throw the javelin.” Miller throws javelins that weigh 800 grams, the collegial and professional amount. 

“I’m running a mile a day and bench pressing 201 pounds,” he added. “My goal is to run about three miles a day and bench press at last 300 pounds.” 

To complement his workout regime, Miller incorporates good nutrition and a positive mental outlook into his life. 

“I try to stay as healthy as possible,” he said. “My diet consists of fruits and vegetables. I also eat a lot of protein, and have little to no sweets.” 

“I know what I’m capable of, which is why I try to keep myself in a positive state of mind,” continued Miller. “I listen to music that keeps me in a strong mindset. I also listen to motivational speakers Les Brown and Eric Thomas. I agree with the (Confucius) saying that goes, ‘The man who says he can, and the man who says he can’t, are both right.’” 

“I believe I can make it to the Olympics and compete,” he concluded. 

The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students' talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century.

Photo:
(L-R): Justin Miller, SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School alumnus, and Shawn Roundtree, CHS athletic instructor and social worker.