Athlete-2

Date 1979
Place Fayetteviile, Arkansas, USA
Description George Edward FREENEY Jr. Arkansas Razorback Track and Filed Journey

Narrative

George Edward FREENEY Jr studied Computer Science Engineering at the University of Arkansas after earning a full Track & Field scholarship in 1986. He specialized in the 110m High Hurdles and 400m Hurdles events and was a proud member of an NCAA National Championship Track & Field team.

As of 2023, George still holds the 110 High Hurdle record at Tascosa High School in Amarillo, Texas, which he achieved by running an impressive time of 13.67 seconds in 1986. Additionally, he held the 300 Intermediate Hurdle record at his high school until it was narrowly broken by 0.001 of a second in 2016. George's exceptional athletic talent attracted the attention of numerous colleges, and he ultimately chose to run Hurdles for the University of Arkansas, convinced by the guidance of Olympic Silver Medalist Mike Conley. Despite his accomplishments, George is still awaiting an invitation to be inducted into his High School's Hall of Fame, a recognition he deserves.

Source References

  1. the Black Book :projects, George Freeney Jr, Susan Pirtle: Black Book: African American Extant Family Recalls and Archives
      • Date: 2023
      • Page: 1; Genetic Citation: George Edward Freeney Jr; (George Jones) NCAA; Olympic Trial; Athlete
      • Confidence: Very High
      • NCAA Track and Field Championship Rings - George Edward FREENEY Jr.
      • Freshman 1987 Arkansas Outdoor Tyson Invitational 110 HH.
      • Triple Crown NCAA Champion Arkansas Track Team
      • Traveling Arkasas Razorback Track Team; Coach John McDonell; Stanley Redwine
      • Citation:

        George Edward Freeney Jr., an accomplished athlete, was awarded a full Track and Field scholarship at the University of Arkansas as a 110 and 400-meter hurdler. In 1987, he achieved the remarkable feat of qualifying for the 1988 Olympic Trials. However, his Olympic dreams were dashed when he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon at a non-conference meet while competing at the University of Kansas in the same year.

        Despite the injury, Freeney displayed tremendous resilience and continued to compete. However, it is acknowledged that the injury had a lasting impact on his athletic abilities, and he was never able to regain his previous level of performance.

        The ACTN3 R577X variant has been found to be more prevalent in elite sprinters who are associated with fast-twitch muscle fibers. Fast-twitch muscle fibers are responsible for generating quick and powerful bursts of force, which are crucial for sprinting and other high-intensity activities. The absence of α-actinin-3 in these muscle fibers may contribute to differences in muscle performance, potentially providing advantages in activities requiring explosive power.

        George Edward FREENEY Jr. Gene: ACTN3

        Build 37 Elite Athlete Type II Fast Muscle 11 ACTN3, ARG577TER rs1815739 66328095 C or T CT
        Build 38 Elite Athlete Type II Fast Muscle 11 ACTN3, ARG577TER rs1815739 66560624 C or T CT