As another high school track and field season wrapped up earlier this year, standout athlete Iyimi Fagbamiye, who began his journey at St. Matthews Elementary and graduated from Holy Cross this past spring, is preparing for a promising collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM).
Personal Bests
110mH: 14.22
100m: 10.79
Career Accolades
2023 Oregon Relays 110m Hurdles Silver
2023 U18 NACAC Championships 110m Hurdles Fifth Place
2023 U20 Nationals 110m Hurdles Fourth Place
Reflecting on his early start, Fagbamiye shares, "I started track and field in the 3rd grade at St. Matthews Elementary. The track coach, who was also our gym teacher, noticed I was faster than everyone else on the soccer field and convinced me to join the track team for fun." This early encouragement sparked a love for the sport that has only grown over the years, with too many amazing experiences to count.
One of Fagbamiyei's most cherished memories, however, was exploring Hayward Field with his best friend during the 2023 Oregon Relays. Known as "TrackTown USA," Eugene, Oregon, has been a significant venue in his high school career, where he represented his school with pride. The special moments lived and support from his coaches and teammates have been instrumental in his development, eventually leading him to be recruited by a Division I post-secondary institution.
"I've known I wanted to run collegiate track for as long as I've known what the NCAA is," he recalls. The recruitment process went smoothly for Fagbamiye who received early offers but chose to sign with UWM close to the end of the cycle. The familiarity and comfort he felt with the team and coaches, along with the impressive campus, solidified his decision.