Naeem Turner-Bandele

Zionsville West Middle School sprinter had a successful day at the USA Track and Field meet in Frankfort, IL on May 31, 2008. Naeem Turner-Bandele won his age division (youth boys age 13 & 14) in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:18.67. The 12 year old, seventh grader will be participating next at the Northwest Classic in Trotwood, Ohio on Sunday, June 8, 2008. He will compete in the 200m, 400m and 800m events. The following week he will compete in the AAU Indiana District Championships in Chesterton, Indiana June 13 – 15. During the outdoor season he normally runs unattached until the State, Regional and National Meets. During the outdoor season he runs with Fort Wayne Express.

His dad Nathaniel is also his coach and told us that Naeem has been running with USA Track & Field's Junior Olympic program since he was age 7. Every year that he has run, he has been a state champion in at least one of his three primary events (200m, 400m, & 800m) and has been a national qualifier in every year that he has run but once when he was injured. This year was his first national meet where he made it to the finals indoors.

He is currently training with his middle school team at Zionsville West Middle School. Previously, grades 5 and 6, he ran with the middle school at the International School of Indiana. PHOTO: Standing with his God Father Scott Sloan and his mother LaTonya after placing 2nd in the 800m.