teen spotlight
photography by Lauren Childs
stats
16, Junior at Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School
notable
Two-time Junior Olympic medalist; USA Track & Field Alabama Dream Team; No. 1 4A 400 meter runner in Alabama;
Brewtech Track & Field MVP; Administrator for Discipleship
Classes at Fresh Anointing House of Worship; involved in
Children’s Church and Youth Ministry at Fresh Anointing
quotable
“My Dad always tells me, ‘You can’t do what others do and
expect to be the best. The best do what others are unwilling,
unable or not driven to do.’”
how it began
Thaddeus “TJ” Porter Jr. is one of Brewtech’s best Track and
Field runners and has been involved in the sport year-round
since age 7. He is ranked No. 1 in the 4A 400 meter run, a
member of the USA Track and Field Alabama Dream Team, a
two-time Junior Olympic medalist and a recipient of the MVP
and Coach’s Award at Brewtech for Track and Field.
TJ didn’t always have a passion for running track, however.
He started playing mini-soccer at age 5, but his parents noticed
he was better at running than scoring, so they decided to let
him try running track with the YMCA.
“At first I just did it because my dad wanted me to, but then
I started to like it,” TJ said. Now his eyes are set on making the
Olympic team for Track and Field during his senior year and
setting a world record like his inspiration Michael Johnson.
what’s next
thaddeus “tj” porter, jr.
Montgomery, AL
For fun, TJ likes to play video games to ease his mind and
hopes to break into the video game design field. He’s currently
looking to attend Florida State University.
PG (parental guidance) rating
TJ said the one thing he was most proud of is that, “my parents
are still married and I am being raised in a Christian home.”
parents’ perspective
TJ’s parents believe he is “simply nurturing a God-given gift” and
they’re proud that he is “tenacious when it comes to accomplishing
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