Special to the Beacon

Meet Darius Kipyego, a phenomenal track star from the University of Iowa State. Darius grew up in Oakland Beach and attended St. Raphael Academy for high school. A few of this Warwick native’s achievements include 1st team All-American, a Silver in the World Athletics Continental Tour, as well as being named All Academic Big 12 second team.

Growing up, track was one of the few sports that Darius did not take part in, until his middle school years at Warwick Veterans Middle School. Track was then added to the multiple sports that Darius took part in.

One of the biggest issues in youth sports today is the hyper focus on one sport, however Darius is a strong believer that kids are supposed to be having fun while exploring diverse sports or interests. He believes that young children should be participating in multiple sports as a way to find joy and a sense of community.

One of the messages that Darius wants to spread to young athletes is that no matter the outcome, you play your sport for enjoyment as well as learning to approach challenges with a positive mindset. Yes, although winning is great, it’s not guaranteed. Balancing competitiveness, sportsmanship, and respect is what athletes do.  Darius is a role model to many. Try multiple sports, compete, study hard, and have fun. This college track star reminds us that even the top athletes need to remember to have a healthy balance and to keep enjoying what they do.

Here is a Q&A between Taylor and Kipyego:

BT: Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self?

DK: Honestly, I would not give any advice other than keep having fun. You never have to be focused on just one sport or one thing at a time. I would be playing at least two sports a season and just learning about each sport while having fun. I did not run track until 7th grade.

BT: Beyond your achievement in sports, what inspires you to give back to your community as well as encourage others to do the same?

DK: Growing up and the people around me have helped so much with my journey! From my second grade teacher to my senior year teachers, they have taught me so many life lessons. In middle school, my health teacher would let me go out to do the mile so I could try to break the school record. I never realized it when I was younger but as you get older, you look back and see what they did was for a reason.

BT: You, as an athlete, continue to be a positive influence. What are some examples of the contributions made or causes that you support?

DK: Mr. Wishart was my 4th grade and 5th grade teacher, as well as my favorite teacher. I still remember when we had our annual kickball tournament where we lost but when I got into our classroom, he just started playing the song, Happy by Pharrell Williams. He taught me it’s about having fun and enjoying the time with everyone!