Andres Arroyo Runs #6 HS All-Time, Makes Us Wonder, "What's Next?"

Apr 4, 2013 by Mitch Kastoff

Let the record talks begin.

Colonial High School’s Andres Arroyo, who had already run 49.09 and 4:04.45, found the sweet spot in the 800m at the 2013 Florida Relays.

On the track he’ll call home next year as a Florida Gator, Arroyo ran the sixth fastest high school 800m of all-time. While it’s worth mention (in passing) that it’s the HS nation leading mark, let’s throw a few stats out there to really put it in perspective.

It’s 1.34 seconds off Michael Granville’s high school record of 1:46.45 set back in ’96.
If he was a collegiate, that would be the fastest time in the NCAA right now.
It’s the sixth fastest time in the world. Yes, the world.

How did this happen? This past winter, Arroyo mixed a little speed with a some winter cross country action. He first competed for Puerto Rico in the NACAC Cross Country Championships where he finished 8th in 19:25.00. Shifting gears indoor, he blazed a 1:51.10 800m at Brooks PR, which was good for third. He then ran 4:16.04 for the mile at New Balance Indoor Nationals, and that’s his indoor campaign.

To cap the winter off, he made the trip to Poland for the World Cross Country Championships where he finished 104th in 25:50.

But by then, it wasn't really "winter" for Arroyo. Between NBIN and WXC, Florida began their outdoor season. So before leaving for Poland, Arroyo blazed a solo 4:10.35 (1600m) and 9:33.55 (3200m) in first meet under the Florida sun. Then he dropped a 4:04.45, flew to Poland, came back, and joined the all-time greats.

So how did he make the jump from elite to sixth fastest all-time? It must’ve been his 41-10.5 toss in discus at the Lake Brantley Classic. According to milesplit.com, the FHSAA requires a minimum number of “interscholastic meets” to qualify for post-season races. Oddly enough, indoor and unattached races don’t count.

What’s a favorite for mid June supposed to do in early March? Toss the disc (as long as he didn’t get hurt, then we can all laugh about it).

Arroyo’s run was a bit reminiscent of David Rudisha’s world record at the Olympic Games in the sense we went from the edge of our seat to standing with the third 200m split. Everyone can run the opening lap, but it’s all about being able to hang on when that piano is dropped on your back, metaphorically speaking.

When Arroyo hit the bell, he was 5m clear of the field. By 600m, he had at least 30m. To boot, he didn’t look all that bad in the final 100m.

What does his speed mean in terms of the mile? If it’s any point of reference, Alan Webb ran 1:47.74 shortly after his 3:53.43 high school record at the Prefontaine Classic. It’s crazy to think that someone has that sort of speed, but the mile record is still so far away.

In his last few races, he's been unchallenged. If he gets in a fast race or even a rabbit, what's Arroyo going to run this outdoor season?

All-Time High School 800m List

Name	Time	Year
Michael Granville	1:46.45	1996
George Kersh	1:46.58	1987
Pete Richardson	1:47.31	1981
Elijah Greer	1:47.68	2008
Alan Webb	1:47.74	2001
Andres Arroyo	1:47.79	2013
Dale Scott	1:47.9+	1972

2013 World Rankings

Name	Time	Location
Kleberson Davide (BR)	1:44.84	Sao Paulo
Andre Olivier (RSA)	1:46.61A	Potchefstroom
Robert Biwott (KEN)	1:47.01	Warri
Nathan Biwott (KEN)	1:47.2hA	Nairobi
Fredrick Korir (KEN)	1:47.5hA	Nairobi
Andres Arroyo (PR)	1:47.79	Gainesville, FL
Issac Wono (KEN)	1:47.8hA	Nairobi