Among Ohio's standout performers in the early stages of the AAU Junior Olympic Games is 12-year-old Samuel Baker.
Representing the Xfactor Track Club, Baker notched a 1st place finish in the 3000 meter contest with a 9:54.52 mark. He was the lone competitor in the two sections to dip under the 10 minute benchmark and by the end his race he had established a comfortable 17-second cushion over the second place finisher Ayden Taylor (Awesome Athletics). Taylor, from Louisville, KY, clocked 10:11.86 to secure the runner-up spot.
Winning is nothing new for the Columbus resident. Baker sailed through the JOs qualification process with victories at District 2 and Region 4 crossing the line in 10:57.14 and 10:18.79, respectively. Additionally, Baker enjoyed success on the AAU Club circuit this summer with a trio of first place finishes at the National Championships held in Satellite Beach, Florida back in mid-July. There, Baker went 2:13.24, 4:35.42 and 9:51.60 in the 800m, 1500m and 3000m competitions.
The emerging distance talent caught up with MileSplit's Olivia Ekpone following his most recent triumph. Catch his interview above and his handiwork in the 3k below.
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