Three years ago, Somersfield Academy student Quincy Kuzyk followed in his friends’ footsteps and decided to take up running.

The social activity quickly became an intense passion for the 15-year-old, who in March competed at the Carifta Games in Grenada against athletes several years his senior.

Quincy finished tenth out of 14 in the under-18s 3,000 metre race, with the experience proving invaluable for the teenager to build upon. “It was extremely helpful, just seeing what people around my age from the Caribbean islands were doing and where I had to be,” he said.

“I also learnt a lot of about training and how committed you have to be to get to that level.”

Quincy is a member of the Mid Atlantic Athletic Club, training under coaches Victoria Fiddick and Steve Burgess, and runs for 60 to 90 minutes most days.

Among his titles to date are the Heritage Day Junior Classic and the Senior Schools Cross-Country races at the Arboretum. Quincy also placed second in the Front Street Mile, which he aims to win at the next attempt.

In 2017, the Smith’s resident hopes to compete in the 3,000 metres and the 1,500 metres at the Carifta Games, this time in Curaçao, as well as at the Island Games in Gotland, Sweden.

And in the meantime, the long-distance runner plans to maximise his chances of winning by keeping his body in pristine condition.

“I used to not stretch, but a lot of physios have told me it’s important,” Quincy said.

“It’s something I have to keep on top of, because my muscles are extremely tight. I stretch for about 20 minutes every day now.

“I also try to eat full meals with good proteins instead of snacking. My parents like me to eat healthy, and I think it’s better for my development as an athlete as well.”

Once he graduates from Somersfield Academy, the honours student aims to secure an athletics scholarship at a North American university.

However he remains unsure if he would one day like to shoot for Olympic glory.

“It takes over your entire life,” Quincy said, “but if it comes along then I’d be open to it and I’d love to go.”