Alex Prudnikov (and associate).
Prudnikov on wharf duty. (Mekare Bowen photo)
Alex Prudnikov decided to go for a run (or two) during his senior year of high school.
Having turned out for track for the first time, the native of Russia is currently competing in the sprints, relays, long jump and triple jump for Coupeville High School.
Prudnikov made the decision for several reasons.
“I have never ran track before” he said. “I sustained a shoulder injury and thought it would be a good way to stay in shape.
“I enjoy track as it is mostly a sport where the only person you have to compete with is yourself,” Prudnikov added. “That allows me to focus on getting better, not just showing off, as some sports do.”
He’d like to hit 34-35 feet in the triple jump (he needs about two feet) and knock his 100 time down to 12.5 seconds (he’s less than a second off that right now).
Whether he reaches his goals or not, he’s thrilled with the chance to try.
“I think my biggest strength is that I am new to track and can improve all my times a lot,” Prudnikov said. “I would like to work on everything, as is it my first year.”
This is his first try at a school sport (“I enjoy working out and staying active”) and he credits his mom with being his biggest supporter.
The duo emigrated together from Russia and she “plays the biggest part (in my life).”
After high school, and his brief encounter with organized sports, he intends to devote his time to the study of the human body. Prudnikov wants to eventually become a physical therapist.
Until then, he’s always looking for a new challenge, whether on the track oval or in real life.
“I enjoy pretty much anything that’s fun and exciting.”
Coupeville Sports 