For Kendall Ellis, the women’s Olympic Trials champion in the 400 meters, track and field was never a tradition passed down from previous generations. “I didn’t even really know what track was,” Ellis said. “I remember being at my first ever [track] practice and the coaches told us to run 800 as a warm-up.
I had no idea what 800 was, so I was just following all the big kids.” That moment happened when Ellis was 7 years old. Now, 21 years later, Ellis is set to once again compete on track’s biggest stage in less than two weeks.
Despite training in Los Angeles for 10 years since she was a 18-year old freshman at USC, she’s quick to remind people that her roots are in South Florida. “I’m always telling people I’m from Florida,” Ellis said. “It’s one of the first things that I share about myself.
It’s an honor to represent the USA on the world stage, but also getting to represent Florida.” Ellis began receiving national recognition during her high school career at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas under coach Alex Armenteros.
She won seven 4A class titles from 2011 to 2014, including the 400 individual title all four years. “I knew going to St. Thomas Aquinas the kind of history they have when it comes to athletics and how many incredible athletes they have had come out of that school,” Ellis said.
“Sanya Richards being one of them. I just wanted to be solidified in that kind of legacy.” When it came time to choose a college, Ellis chose t.