Josiah Oyebefun
Washington Archibald High
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Josiah Oyebefun is a sprinter who competes regionally and nationally in the 100, 200, and 400 meter races. He holds the national record in his age group for the 200 meter at 22.49s. Even at the age of 15 Josiah is a young man who has received numerous awards and recognitions for his athletic skill, including the very prestigious 2009 Victor Ludorum “Champion of the Games” award for most outstanding male athlete in St. Kitts. Most recently in 2011 Josiah earned gold medals in the 100M and 200M events at the Inter School Competition, setting a record in the 200M. He also received a gold medal in the 400M at the National Junior Championship. In addition, Josiah represented St. Kitts and Nevis at the Carifta Games in Jamaica, qualifying 14th in the 200M. Josiah’s commitment to athletics is not the only area in which Josiah stands out. He is also an honored academic student, placing in the top five percent of his class and named on both the Honor roll and Principal’s List at Washington Archibald High School. In a sport where 4/100ths of a second is the difference between silver and gold, it takes focus, discipline and determination to be the best. Josiah is all that and more. He is tough but gentle; a thoughtful young man with an open heart who strives to do his best in everything he does. When asked where he gets his motivation to push beyond in track, Josiah relates a story from primary school. “In 2008, I moved to Beach Allen from Molineux. I was sort of a fat awkward kid and didn’t feel like I fit in. I decided to try running and did okay, but when I challenged a classmate who was the fastest runner in the school, I lost. It was then that I realized I had a competitive nature and that I could use that energy in a positive way. Timothy Morton, the coach at Beach Allen, saw my potential and agreed to train me. With his support and my hard work, I vowed that I would never lose to my classmate again, and to this day I haven’t.” Josiah gives back to the community by mentoring young children to stay positive and believe in themselves. “I try to encourage every child I meet to reach for their personal best,” he says, “whatever that may be and where ever their interests may take them.” Josiah would like to continue to share his story of determination and discipline throughout his life. He is as committed to being an inspiration to others as he is to his own future. Josiah is a 15 year old student at Washington Archibald High School who plans to pursue a career in Sports Medicine. He receives the Remarkable Teen honor as a Scholar Athlete for his combined academic and athletic ability.