KILLEEN, Texas — A Class of 2015 Killeen High School graduate will be stepping into the ring and throwing a 16 pound ball as far as he can in hopes to represent team USA in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
T'Mond Johnson will be competing in the U.S. Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon in shot put.
"It's awesome just to be able to come out here and compete with the best in the world," Johnson said. "The U.S. is one of the best countries in terms of track and field and really a lot of sports. I've worked really hard to get to this point and to this moment. I'm just excited to be here. I'm blessed to be here and I'm just hoping to go out there and put on the show for myself, my family and my hometown."
Johnson has been competing in track and field since middle school, but he tells 6 News he didn't pick up a shot put until his senior year at Killeen High School. He eventually was recruited to Texas State University.
"It kind of felt natural for me and I kind of just slowly started to pick it up and and really start to improve with it," Johnson said.
Johnson has been working out with an Olympic trainer since 2019, which has helped him qualify for the U.S. Track and Field Trials twice now. He made the final round of the trials in 2021, and is hoping to have an even better performance this go around, especially after recently getting a personal best.
"I was at our home track at Garage Strength in Fleetwood, PA and I threw 21.18 meters, it's just under 70 feet," Johnson added. "It was a really big throw. I think it's currently #8 in the U.S. and #21 or #22 in the world. It puts you in a really good spot and it was a huge confidence boost going into this meet this weekend."
Johnson tells 6 News he loves to workout, be outside and light up any room he walks in to. He describes himself as outgoing, someone who likes to laugh, smile and have fun. He has some advice for those looking to chase their dreams no matter their size.
"I think definitely believe in yourself and have people to support you along the way," Johnson explained. "Stay hungry and always trust the process because this isn't an overnight success thing. It takes a lot of time. Keep at it and keep pushing because one day you will see the top."
Johnson will be competing against 24 people to punch the ticket to Paris. Starting on Friday, June 21, there will be two groups of 12 running turns. Each shot putter will get three throws. The top 12 throwers will move on to day 2 of the Trials on Saturday. Those 12 people will get three more throws and then the top eight out of those 12 will move on to compete in the final. The top three in that final will then represent Team USA.
"You train all year, all fall for these moments and you want to come out the gates swinging," Johnson said. "You want to put your best throw out there early and kind of help set the tone for yourself."
The U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials for the 2024 Paris Games air live on NBC, USA Network and Peacock from June 21-30. Coverage also streams on NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app.
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