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Kelan McCullough, far right, trains at Spire Academy. His goal is to be the best junior decathlon athlete in the country.
Kelan McCullough, a promising decathlete from Bryson City, North Carolina is making a name for himself at SPIRE Academy, a student athlete boarding school program.
McCullough began his athletic pursuits as a football player before he became a decathlete. Until his freshman year of high school, he worked tirelessly on the football field, always striving to be the best. However, things changed when he discovered track and field, and his natural talent for the jumps set him on a new path.
At SPIRE, McCullough balances his classes with rigorous training sessions, focusing on sprinting, hurdling, jumping and throwing. As he works to become a successful decathlete, he is careful not to overwork himself to avoid injuries—a common challenge for many multi-sport athletes.
When discussing his primary goals for this school year, McCullough said, “I want to be the best junior in the country. I’m going to be ranked number one in the country as a junior…I want to be a 17-year-old who qualifies and competes at under 20 nationals this year. That’s my biggest goal for this year.” Despite a sophomore-year injury, he’s determined to continue to grow as an athlete to reach those goals.
Looking further into the future, he aspires to use his track and field skills to earn a college scholarship. After completing his education, he’s open to a professional track and field career, and he’s also considered life beyond the sport. Coaching interests him, as he finds fulfillment in helping others reach their potential.
McCullough expressed his gratitude for his hometown coaches and community’s support, emphasizing the role they played in his development as an athlete and a person. Coach Roper and Coach Payne, in particular, had a significant impact on his journey.
Learn more about SPIRE, an academic and athletic academy for high school students at spireacademy.com.