Runner Samuel Curtis carries family legacy to Junior Olympics

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

FORTH WORTH, Texas

In the quiet border town of Del Rio, Texas, a young Navajo runner is leading on the track and in his community.

Samuel Curtis, a soon-to-be high school senior, has spent the past three years honing his craft with the Code Blue Spartans Track Club, and his hard work has paid off. This week, he competed in the AAU Junior Olympics in Houston, a milestone that reflects not just his personal dedication but also a family legacy of runners.

Samuel’s journey began in middle school, where he first discovered his love for running after the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though he initially joined the sport at the encouragement of his parents, he quickly realized he had a natural talent for long-distance races.

His mother, Amanda Curtis, recalls watching him develop into a disciplined athlete, one who pays close attention to his nutrition, training, and recovery. “He puts his whole heart into it,” she says. “He’s always looking for ways to improve, not just for himself but to lift up his teammates too.”

That team mentality has become a defining trait for Samuel. While he excels in individual events, posting impressive times like 4:42 in the mile and 9:17 in the two-mile, he takes pride in being a leader.

Last year, he qualified for regionals in cross-country as an individual, but this season, he set a new goal: to help his entire team advance together. He organized extra runs, encouraged younger athletes, and even convinced several teammates to join Code Blue Spartans, where he trains under Coach Bryan Whipkey.

Coach Whipkey, a former military physical training instructor turned full-time track coach, has watched Samuel grow from a quiet, determined newcomer into a standout competitor. “He’s the kind of athlete who does everything you ask, plus more,” Whipkey says. “When he first came to us, his goal was to break five minutes in the mile. Now, he’s looking at Division I schools.”

Samuel’s success carries extra meaning for his family, who see his running as part of a broader legacy. His paternal grandfather was a runner, as was his maternal grandmother, though neither pursued it competitively. For Samuel, their stories are a source of quiet motivation. “It’s feels good to know running has been in my family,” he says. “I want to keep that going.”

Beyond the track, Samuel is focused on his future. Already focused on college classes, he plans to study biology or nutrition while continuing to compete. He’s even thought about becoming a teacher and coach one day, hoping to pass on the lessons he’s learned. “I like the idea of helping people understand how to take care of their health,” he says. “And I’d love to coach so I can give back to the sport.”

With impressive new personal records in in the men’s 1,500 and 3,000 meter races, Samuel returns home from Houston victorious. For Amanda and Larry Curtis, this moment is about more than just competition. “We’re watching him step into his own,” Larry says. “He’s honoring where he comes from while chasing his dreams.”

Whether on the track or in the classroom, Samuel Curtis represents the kind of determination and humility that resonates far beyond finish lines. And as he toes the starting line in Houston this week, he carries with him the pride of his family, his team, and his heritage.

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