For the second year in a row, sophomore Jason Robinson is a state champion.
Robinson won all three events he competed in at the New York State Track & Field Championships at Middletown High School on June 7 and 8, placing first in the 800-meter, 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter wheelchair races. He also won the 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter races last year. 
In addition to his victories, Robinson set a new personal record in each event. His 800-meter time of 1:47.16 was seven seconds faster than his previous best; his 1,600-meter time of 3:41.78 was 15 seconds quicker; and his 3,200-meter time of 7:36.13 blew away his old mark by an impressive 26 seconds.
Robinson, who first began wheelchair racing at the age of 10, says it feels “great” to be a state champion again.
“Last year, I really didn’t know what to expect at states,” Robinson explained. “This year, it was really cool for me to go out there and not only win, but break my own state records.”
Robinson, though, is just as excited to see more take up the sport of wheelchair racing.
"Being able to spread awareness and get the word out to other kids is rewarding,” Robinson said. “Last year, it was just me and this year there were a total of four wheelchair racers. So, hopefully, it continues to grow.”
Robinson’s first competitive wheelchair race was the 15K Boilermaker a few years back. Since then, he continues to compete in several races across the country, including the 10K Falmouth Road Race in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where he became the race’s youngest finisher ever at the age of 11 in 2014, and the 10K Beach to Beacon in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. He also competed in the AJC Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, Georgia, along with races in Cedar Town, Georgia, and Chicago, Illinois, for the first time this year.
When not competing for Westmoreland, Robinson races with the North Jersey Navigators, a Paralympic sports team in New Jersey.
Congratulations, Jason!