Just like his teammate and good friend Devon Allen, Robert (Bobby) Grant (Brophy/University of Miami) started out as a Football Player and a sprinter, but at the end of his freshman year he added the 110 hurdles.
His sophomore year the 300 hurdles were added and quickly became a favorite as he ran a PR of 37.95 - winning the Arizona Sprints Showcase.
During his junior year, Grant ran a 36.88 in the Arizona State Meet and was on pace to win the event when his foot briefly caught a hurdle giving teammate Devon Allen an opening. Grant finished 2nd in 36.88 behind Allen 36.74.
With his senior year before him, Grant set his goal on breaking the 300 hurdle State Record off 36.39 previously set by Allen. He won every 300 hurdle race all season and came close to the record at the Arcadia Invitational when he won the event in 36.47 giving him a US#1 ranking.
One week before the AZ State Meet, at the North East Valley Regionals, Grant's mission was complete.
As he stepped off the blocks into a headwind he got into a rhythm he had never felt before and crossed the finish line in 36.24 for a new 300 hurdle State Record.
But there is more to Robert Grant than just his athletic ability. He has a heart for helping others - which he does often.
Grant has a fan base following on twitter and will often tweet words of encouragement to them.
Last season Grant met Tanner Flake, a hurdler from Mesa Mt. View, at the Toro Invitational and spent an afternoon with him over the summer working on his hurdling techniques.
Last month Grant took some time to speak to a group of 168 children about bullying and creating a culture of kindness.
Grant is a freshman at the University of Miami in Florida and will be competing in his first track meet on the 17th of January.
