Today we’d like to introduce you to Josue Salazar
Hi Josue, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi,
My name is Josue Richardson Salazar, and I’m a Track and Field student athlete at the University of South Carolina. I was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina with my Great Grandmother and Great Aunt. I grew up in a not so kind area where drug use and gang violence became more common as the years went on, but as a way to keep off the streets my parents introduced me to music and sports as a kid. My earliest memories include playing Violin and practicing Capoeira, slowly transitioning to playing brass instruments and running track once I got into middle school. Once the violence got too much for my grandmother, I eventually moved in with my Dad where he supported me throughout high-school and with my sport. Living with him was different, going from a southern black household to a Mexican one.
I got the chance to fully indulge in my hispanic side through dancing, the music and the food. It was all so new yet so familiar to me, and when looking back the same could be said about how I was in track, it just felt right. I was always pretty fast in the region and state but once my Junior year hit, I found myself being in the top 5 best 400 meter hurdlers in the country. I knew I had a gift for it, but was so uninformed of the process my recruiting process was nothing less than a headache. I had gotten injured mid season so the offers and schools I was in correspondence with disappeared. Until I ran South Carolina’s Third All-Time best in the 400 Meter hurdles, and by that time my coach had already contacted Coach Brown over at UofSc, and once he saw me run, it was game-time.
Going into my freshman year of college injured from the previous season, away from family, and in a new environment– it was difficult adjusting to my new lifestyle as a division one athlete. I eventually found peace in picking up different instruments like Guitar and Piano during my healing process and eventually started making content as a creative outlet. Sadly I had missed my indoor season and half of outdoor due to a grade 2 back strain in December of last year– But I found myself surrounded by people who wanted to work as hard as me and create a new sense of community within Columbia.
Now starting my Sophomore year in college healthy, and ready to attack this season.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a journey to say the least. I’ve gone through a lot in this life at 19. Whether it was experiencing racism in school, being labeled a “sin” for being mixed as a black and hispanic child.
Or even having to witness the loss of family and friends from suicide, elders to age, and even a partner due to terrible circumstance.
I grew up around a lot of drug and gun violence and had to find my way out of the mindset of staying in the hood for the sake of other people.
& Eventually I grew up to make something out of myself, as a First generation Division one Student Athlete, always remembering the examples of what not to be from my childhood environment. Despite the challenges– I created and found opportunity.
So yeah, i’ve been through some shit to say the least. But I have the best supporters in the world, and wouldn’t change my story for anything.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Track and Field student athlete at the University of South Carolina, going into the season as a Sophomore. Most people associate my name with things like track (of course), modeling, and content creation to name a few. I would say I’m mostly known for being a track athlete because when I was in high-school I had been in the U.S top 10 for two straight years for the 400 meter hurdles. And asserting myself in the Track community from posting funny videos online about the sport while also showing out on the line.
I’d say i’m mostly proud of being where I am today health wise. I was injured through most of my senior year and coming into freshman year. So being healthy again, & being able to keep up with the programs we have truly is something to be proud of coming off a grade 2 Magnus Adductor and Lower back strain.
In terms of individuality, what sets me apart from a lot people i’d like say is my creativity and random skills others wouldn’t think of coming from an athlete. I’m a musician and have been playing for around 7-8 years, a graphic and fashion designer for two. a choreographer for two, and Im decent at remodeling houses since I’ve done it with my father since I was 11. A jack of all trades maybe?
Overall i’m pretty knowledgeable about different topics and areas of expertise.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My favorite apps in my phone have to be the Notes app, Calendar app, and Spotify.
I use the notes app to write all of my scripts, reminders, ideas in there without having to worry about them being lost.
For the calendar app its really easy to be in a meeting and just be able to jot a time into it with specifics of the event that I could potentially forget later.
Spotify has always been there for me at my darkest and brightest moments. If you know me then you know I go nowhere without my headphones, music is genuinely my entire life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swayrantoofast/
